Great North Road (Ancestral Puebloans) facts for kids
The Great North Road is an ancient highway built by the Ancestral Puebloans. These skilled builders lived in the American Southwest a long time ago. This special road starts at Pueblo Alto in Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico. It stretches all the way to Kutz Canyon in the northern part of the San Juan Basin.
The road is thought to follow Kutz Canyon to the San Juan River and Salmon Ruins. It was a very important connection for the people who lived in the Chaco Canyon area.
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What Was the Great North Road?
The Great North Road is one of the most famous and best-studied roads built by the Ancestral Puebloans. It's not just one path; in some places, there are four parallel roads running side-by-side! The roads were also built with low stone walls, almost like curbs, along their edges.
Who Were the Ancestral Puebloans?
The Ancestral Puebloans were ancient people who lived in the southwestern United States. They are known for building amazing structures, including large stone buildings called "great houses" and homes built into cliffs. They lived in this region from about 100 AD to 1600 AD.
They were skilled farmers, growing corn, beans, and squash. They also created beautiful pottery and jewelry. The Ancestral Puebloans built a large network of roads, and the Great North Road was a key part of it.
Why Did They Build Roads?
Scientists believe these roads were used for many reasons. They might have been used for trade, allowing people to move goods like pottery, turquoise, and food between communities. The roads could also have been used for important ceremonies or for travel by leaders.
The straightness of the roads, even over hills and valleys, suggests they had a special meaning. They connected important sites like Chaco Canyon to other communities far away.
Where Did the Road Go?
The Great North Road connected Chaco Canyon to areas north of it. Along its path, archaeologists have found several smaller sites. These sites are thought to have been ancient "way stations" or small communities. They might have been places where travelers could rest or trade.
Some of these important way stations include:
- Halfway House Outlier
- Pierre's Outlier
- Twin Angels Outlier
These sites show that the road was part of a larger system connecting many different Ancestral Puebloan communities.
Unique Features of the Road
The Great North Road is known for its incredible straightness. It often goes in a straight line for many miles, even when it means going directly over hills. This shows how much effort the builders put into its construction.
Another interesting feature found along the Chacoan road system are "herraduras." These are horseshoe-shaped stone structures. Their exact purpose is still a mystery to archaeologists. They might have been ceremonial sites or markers along the road.
