Welcome to The Castle - Camp Verde AZ
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 34° 36.718 W 111° 50.463
12S E 422891 N 3830334
Pause a few moments to enjoy this view of Montezuma Castle. Don't you suppose it must have stopped the settlers and soldiers who first saw the cliff-dwelling over a century ago?
Waymark Code: WM13DX5
Location: Arizona, United States
Date Posted: 11/18/2020
Views: 1
Welcome to The Castle-Montezuma Castle National Monument-Pause a few moments to enjoy this view of Montezuma Castle. Don't you suppose it must have stopped the settlers and soldiers who first saw the cliff-dwelling over a century ago?
The odd name came from a mistaken belief that the cliff-dwelling was a castle Aztec refugees had built for their emperor. We know now that Montezuma never strayed this far north from his home in Mexico, but the name has stuck.
Why did a community of prehistoric farmers choose this particular alcove high in the north wall of Beaver Creek for their home? For protection from the elements? The benefits of day-long solar heat afforded by its southern exposure? Defensibility against intruders? Tradition? The view? Or perhaps a combination of these theories?
From the National Park Service-Established December 8, 1906, Montezuma Castle is the third National Monument dedicated to preserving Native American culture. This 20 room high-rise apartment, nestled into a towering limestone cliff, tells a story of ingenuity, survival and ultimately, prosperity in an unforgiving desert landscape.
Marker Name: Welcome to The Castle
Type of history commemorated: Place
County: Yavapai
Name of any agency/ agencies setting marker:
National Park Service
Year placed: 1990
|
Visit Instructions:
To claim a log for this waymark, some proof of visit is required. This proof can be a simple gps photo, a photo with your mascot (a signature item that you use for photographs, similar to using a gps) or a answer to any question that the person who posted the waymark has asked. A gps photo will always be accepted as proof of visit regardless of any specific question a waymark may ask.