El Quartelejo Ruins facts for kids
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El Cuartelejo
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Ruins of El Quartelejo
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 Location in Kansas
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Scott City, Kansas |
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| Built | 1650 |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000351 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHLD | July 19, 1964 |
El Cuartelejo, also known as El Quartelejo, is a very old and important place in Kansas. The name comes from a Spanish word meaning "far quarter" or "far district." It is the archeological ruins of a pueblo. A pueblo is a type of village built by some Native American groups.
El Cuartelejo is special because it is the only known pueblo ever found in Kansas. It is located in Lake Scott State Park, which is north of Scott City, Kansas. The ruins, made of stone and adobe (a type of sun-dried brick), sit near Ladder Creek. This site helps us learn about the ancient people who lived there long ago.
What is El Cuartelejo?
El Cuartelejo is what remains of an old village. It was built by Native American people. These people are often called Puebloan peoples. They built their homes and villages using materials like stone and adobe. Adobe is a mix of earth and straw. It is shaped into bricks and dried in the sun. This makes very strong buildings.
The name "El Cuartelejo" means "the far quarter" or "the far district." This name was given by the Spanish. It shows how far north this pueblo was from other known pueblos. Most pueblos are found much further south.
Its History
People built El Cuartelejo around the year 1650. It was a time when many Native American groups lived across North America. The Puebloan people built this village. They might have moved here for different reasons. Perhaps they were looking for new land. Maybe they were seeking safety.
Some historians believe that Puebloan people from New Mexico came here. They might have been escaping Spanish rule. Later, some Apache groups also lived in this area. They may have used or added to the pueblo. This makes El Cuartelejo a place with a rich and complex history.
Why is it Special?
El Cuartelejo is very important for several reasons. First, it is the only known pueblo in the entire state of Kansas. This makes it a unique historical site. It shows that Puebloan culture reached far beyond its usual areas.
Second, it is a National Historic Landmark. This means the United States government recognizes it. It is a place of great historical value. Protecting El Cuartelejo helps us learn about the past. It teaches us about the lives of ancient people.
Where is it?
You can find the ruins of El Cuartelejo in Lake Scott State Park. This park is in Scott County, Kansas. It is located north of Scott City, Kansas. The ruins are right next to Ladder Creek.
Today, the site is protected. Visitors can learn about its history. It is a great place to see ancient architecture. It also helps us understand early Native American life in Kansas.
