Cummings Mesa facts for kids
Cummings Mesa is a cool natural landmark, like a big, flat-topped mountain! It's located in the western United States, right where the states of Arizona and Utah meet. This special place is part of the Navajo Nation, which is the largest Native American territory in the U.S.
Cummings Mesa stands tall at about 6,214 feet (that's about 1,894 meters) above sea level. It's found about 6 miles (10 kilometers) west-southwest of another famous spot called Navajo Mountain.
What is a Mesa?
A mesa is a type of landform that looks like a table. It has a flat top and steep sides. Mesas are often found in dry areas, like the southwestern United States. They are formed over millions of years as wind and water erode, or wear away, the softer rock around them, leaving the harder rock on top.
Where is Cummings Mesa Located?
Cummings Mesa is in a unique spot! It sits partly in northern Coconino County, Arizona and partly in southern San Juan County, Utah. This area is known for its amazing landscapes, including canyons, buttes, and, of course, mesas. Being on the Navajo Nation means it's an important part of the Navajo people's ancestral lands and culture.
Who Was Byron Cummings?
Cummings Mesa was named after a person named Byron H. Cummings. He was a scientist who spent a lot of time exploring and studying the area. Scientists like Byron Cummings help us learn more about the history of the land, its geology, and the ancient cultures that lived there. Naming a landmark after him is a way to remember his important work in this region.
