Wide Ruins, Arizona facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wide Ruins, Arizona
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 Wide Ruins, Arizona
Location in Arizona
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| Country | United States |
| State | Arizona |
| County | Apache |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.39 sq mi (1.01 km2) |
| • Land | 0.39 sq mi (1.01 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 6,273 ft (1,912 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 20 |
| • Density | 51.15/sq mi (19.73/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (MST) |
| ZIP code |
86505
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| Area code(s) | 928 |
| FIPS code | 04-82810 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2582905 |
Wide Ruins is a small community in Apache County, Arizona, in the United States. It is part of the Navajo Nation, which is the largest Native American reservation in the U.S. In 2020, about 20 people lived there. Wide Ruins is known for its rich history and ancient sites.
Contents
Where is Wide Ruins Located?
Wide Ruins is found in eastern Arizona. It is located at coordinates 35.41959 degrees North and -109.49408 degrees West. This area is about 1.0 square kilometer (0.39 square miles) in size. All of this land is dry land, with no water areas.
The History of Wide Ruins
The history of Wide Ruins is a mix of old stories and discoveries by archaeologists. Archaeologists are scientists who study human history through digging up old things.
Jilhaal and Kin Naazinii: Ancient Stories
Oral legends say that a famous Navajo person named Jilhaal came to the Wide Ruins area in the early 1700s. Jilhaal was a singer and a warrior. He was also known as a fast runner. People believe he traveled a lot and lived with the Pueblo people. These people lived along the Rio Grande river.
Jilhaal and many Pueblo people moved to the Navajo lands. They were seeking safety from the Spanish invasion. This invasion happened in what is now Arizona and New Mexico.
Many cultural ideas, building styles, and farming methods came to the Wide Ruins area because of Jilhaal. He may have helped build strong forts. These forts were located in the hills east of Wide Ruins. One important place was called Kin Naazinii, which means "Upstanding House."
Kin Naazinii was a fortified village. Archaeologists think it was built between 1720 and 1805. Jilhaal is believed to have traveled often between Wide Ruins and Canyon de Chelly National Monument.
Stories describe Jilhaal as a very strong person. He carried huge arrows and had enormous feet. His footprints scared his enemies. Some say he was a great hunter who could catch deer. Others say he knew special healing and war ceremonies.
Kin Naazinii: A Strong Fortress
Oral history says that Kin Naazinii was built as a fortress. It had narrow openings in the walls. These openings were for shooting arrows at enemies. People lived around the fortress and on top of the hill.
The fortress was a safe place when enemies were near. Some elders, like Daalgai, helped Jilhaal build these defenses. The walls were very thick, possibly four stones deep. There was also a hidden passage for entering the fortress. This passage has since collapsed.
The fortress helped protect people from groups like the Utes and White Mountain Apaches. The design of the fortress was very advanced for its time. It kept the people inside safe from arrows. Simple homes called hogans were built around the fortress for use during peaceful times.
Kin Naazinii Spring was a water source for the fortress. It was located further up the canyon. A legend says a coyote dug out this spring.
Sadly, an ancient massacre happened at Kin Naazinii. Stories say that bone fragments and other items were found scattered around the site.
Scholars believe Kin Naazinii was placed in a special spot. It was off the main paths between Zuni Pueblo and Hopi Mesa Pueblos. This allowed the Navajo people to watch travelers without being seen. The hills around the fortress offered great views of the old trails.
Education in Wide Ruins
Wide Ruins has a school called Wide Ruin Community School. This school teaches children from kindergarten to sixth grade. It is connected with the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE). The local school district for the area is the Sanders Unified School District.
See also
In Spanish: Wide Ruins para niños
