Zuni-Cibola Complex facts for kids
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Zuni-Cibola Complex
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"Landscape with an episode from the Conquest of America", probably a fanciful artist's conception of Coronado attacking Hawikuh in 1540. Mountain in the left background is probably Mount Taylor.
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| Nearest city | Zuni, New Mexico |
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| Area | 750 acres (300 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 74002267 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | December 2, 1974 |
| Designated NHLD | December 2, 1974 |
The Zuni-Cibola Complex is a group of ancient and historical places. These sites are located on the Zuni Pueblo land in western New Mexico. Key sites include Hawikuh, Yellow House, Kechipbowa, and Great Kivas. People lived in these areas for a very long time. They were also important when the Spanish first arrived in the region. In 1974, this complex was named a National Historic Landmark District. The Zuni people later decided not to allow these sites to become a national park.
Contents
Discovering the Legend of Cibola
The name "Cibola" first appeared in history in 1539. This was when Spanish explorers in southern New Spain (which is now Mexico and Central America) heard rumors. They heard about a place called Cibola with "Seven Cities of Gold". People said these cities were far to the north, across the desert.
Tales from Shipwreck Survivors
These rumors mainly came from four people who survived a shipwreck. They were part of the failed Narváez expedition. Among them were Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca and an African slave named Estevanico. When they finally returned to New Spain, they shared amazing stories. They said Native people told them about cities filled with great riches.
Estevanico's Journey to Cibola
After hearing these tales, the leader of New Spain, Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza, planned an expedition. He chose a Franciscan friar named Marcos de Niza to lead it. Estevanico went along as his guide. During their trip, in a place called Vacapa, de Niza sent Estevanico ahead to explore.
Soon after, Estevanico met a monk. This monk had heard stories from Native people about seven cities called "Cibola." These cities were said to be full of wealth. Estevanico did not wait for the friar. He kept traveling until he reached Cibola, which is now Háwikuh in New Mexico. There, the Zuni tribe killed him, and his companions had to run away.
Marcos de Niza's Exaggerated Report
Marcos de Niza returned to Mexico City. He claimed the expedition continued even after Estevanico's death. He said they saw Cíbola from far away. He also claimed it was bigger than Tenochtitlan, a huge Aztec city. He reported that people in Cibola used gold and silver dishes. Their houses were decorated with turquoise. They also had giant pearls, emeralds, and other beautiful gems.
Today, some historians believe the shiny clay of the adobe buildings might have caused an optical illusion. When the setting sun hit them, they might have looked like they were made of gold. This could have fueled the exaggerated stories.
Coronado's Expedition to Find Gold
When Viceroy de Mendoza heard de Niza's news, he quickly organized a large army. He wanted to take control of the riches the monk had described. Viceroy Mendoza ordered Francisco Vázquez de Coronado to lead this expedition. Friar Marcos de Niza went with them as their guide. Coronado left with a small group of explorers from Culiacán on April 22, 1540.
When Coronado arrived at Hawikuh pueblo, he found out that Marcos de Niza's stories were not true. There were no treasures like the friar had described. Also, the sea was not nearby, as the friar had claimed. It was many days' journey away. Even so, Coronado took control of the area with his army. He used it as a base for more explorations.
Exploring the Zuni-Cibola Sites
The Zuni Pueblo has many ancient sites. In the early 1970s, people thought about making a large national park there. This park would focus on some of the bigger sites that visitors could easily access. The goal was to protect these ancient places. It also aimed to help visitors understand their history.
In 1988, the government passed a law to allow this park. However, the plan failed. The people of Zuni Pueblo voted strongly against leasing their land to the National Park Service. The park plan included four main sites, all located on Zuni reservation lands.
Yellow House
Yellow House, known in Zuni as "Heshotathluptsina," is east of Zuni. It is near the mouth of Horsehead Canyon. In the early 1970s, this site was mostly untouched. Surveys showed it was likely a home from the late prehistoric period (around the 14th century CE). There was also some evidence of earlier use. This site was considered a good starting point for the proposed national park. This was because it was close to New Mexico State Road 53.
Hawikuh
Hawikuh was one of the largest settlements in the Zuni area. This was true when Coronado's expedition arrived in 1540. It is about 12 miles (19 km) southwest of Zuni. The site includes the excavated ruins of that settlement. It also has the remains of a Spanish mission from the 17th century. This mission was called La Purísima Concepcíón de Hawikuh. Spanish control over Hawikuh in the 17th century was always weak. The site was abandoned after the 1680 Pueblo Rebellion.
Kechipbowa
Kechipbowa is about 3 miles (4.8 km) east of Hawikuh. This site has many different parts. It includes buildings from the 15th and 16th centuries. There are also older remains. Additionally, it has the ruins of another Spanish mission church from the 17th century.
Great Kivas
The Village of the Great Kivas is 17 miles (27 km) northeast of Zuni. This site is seen as a link between two important cultures. It connects to the Chaco culture, which thrived north of Zuni from 1100–1350 CE. It also links to the Mogollon culture to the south. The site has three main groups of rooms. It also features two very large kivas, which are special ceremonial buildings.
