I have been wanting to see this pueblo on a mesa for a very long time, so I planned this stopover on my way from Los Alamos to Zion National Park. Acoma is special because it not only contains the oldest Catholic Church in the U.S., built in 1629 by the residents at the orders of the Spanish priest, but it also participated in the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. There is more detailed history here: https://www.acomaskycity.org/page/our_story/
There were actually two pueblos of Acoma--the first being built on a defensible mesa with steep sides, and the second is the current pueblo built on a larger mesa nearby. The earlier pueblo was probably inhabited as early as 2,000 years ago, and the later one has been continuously inhibited since 1,150 AD. The reservation consists of 431.664 acres and has over 5,000 tribal members. The 1,150 AD pueblo is still inhabited by families, although most only use their homes there during special events and live in the valley nearer to the modern casino, RV park, and travel center during most of the year.
Unfortunately, I could visit the museum/cultural center, but not visit the pueblo itself, as the tribe had closed it to all outsiders because of COVID. Hopefully, it will be open for tours in another year or two, but I did get to watch a couple of very good videos in the cultural center and was able to take some telephoto pictures of the pueblo from there.
In any case, these people have lived for many centuries in some of the most beautiful country in New Mexico, as evidenced by the photos of my drive there. This is I-40, by the way.
In the photo below, you can see the business area owned by the tribe. It includes a casino, RV park, hotel, travel center including a gas station, and a store or two, as well as the usual community center, educational facilities, and medical center that are typical in a modern reservation.
I neglected to take photos of the RV park because it was pretty typical, plus the weather was windy and cold, so I did not spend much time outside.
This is part of the 20 miles road from the casino to the pueblo and cultural center.
Today was Good Friday, so there were many walkers along the roadway headed to the old church on the top of the pueblo, which can be seen way in the distance at the end of this road. There were children, teens, and even old people making this pilgrimage, along with water stations and cars parked in some areas to offer assistance if needed.
The cultural center and more pilgrims on their way to the top of the Mesa in the distance.
This is an older building behind the cultural center.
And this is the ancient mesa where the original pueblo stood, centuries before the Spanish arrived.
The next couple of photos are of some of the buildings of the current pueblo. There is no water or power up there, which is why the homes are used, but only for special events. Most of the 5,000 members of this tribe live near the casino or elsewhere on the land that the tribe owns.
I spent a couple of hours inside the museum but could not take photos. Pretty drive headed out, in any case.
Back on the highway and headed to Page for my next night's stay. I just love these straight and empty roads!!
No comments:
Post a Comment