Aztec Ruins National Monument facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Aztec Ruins National Monument |
|
|---|---|
|
IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
|
|
 |
|
 Aztec Ruins National Monument
Location in New Mexico
Aztec Ruins National Monument
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | San Juan County, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Nearest city | Aztec |
| Area | 318 acres (129 ha) |
| Created | January 24, 1923 |
| Visitors | 52,756 (in 2017) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Website | Aztec Ruins National Monument |
| Part of: | Chaco Culture National Historical Park |
| Type: | U.S. historic district |
| Designated: | October 18, 1966 |
| Reference #: | 66000484 |
| Designated: | May 21, 1971 |
| Reference #: | 55 |
The Aztec Ruins National Monument is a special place in northwestern New Mexico, United States. It protects ancient buildings made by the Pueblo people. These amazing ruins are found on the west side of the Animas River in a town called Aztec. It's about 12 miles (19 km) northeast of Farmington.
Scientists believe these structures were built in the 12th and 13th centuries. When American settlers arrived in the 1800s, they thought the Aztecs from Mexico had built them. That's why they called them the "Aztec Ruins," even though the real builders were the Pueblo people.
This important site became the "Aztec Ruin National Monument" on January 24, 1923. Later, on July 2, 1928, its name changed to "Aztec Ruins National Monument." It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1966. Even more special, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) made the Aztec Ruins part of the Chaco Culture World Heritage Site on December 8, 1987. This means it's recognized as important to everyone in the world!
The monument is also part of the Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway. This is a beautiful road that lets you explore many ancient sites in New Mexico. Before it became a national monument, the land was a homestead owned by H.D. Abrams. He wanted to help protect these incredible ruins.
What is the Climate Like?
The Aztec Ruins National Monument has a semi-arid climate. This means it's generally dry, but not a true desert. It gets some rain and snow, but not a lot. Summers can be hot, and winters are usually cold.
Gallery
-
The restored Great Kiva at Aztec Ruins. A kiva is a special room used for ceremonies.
-
A map of the Aztec Ruins National Monument from the National Park Service.
.jpg)
See also
In Spanish: Monumento nacional de las Ruinas Aztecas para niños
- National Register of Historic Places listings in San Juan County, New Mexico
- List of national monuments of the United States
- List of the oldest buildings in New Mexico
