The ruins here at Chaco Culture National Park are very extensive. The core of the complex was here at Pueblo Bonito, the center of the Chacoan world. Planned and built in stages, this area was occupied from the mid-800's to the 1200's.

back to index

At one time, this structure towered four stories high and contained more than 600 rooms and 40 kivas. Pueblo Bonito is one of the most extensively excavated and studied sites in North America and is a place sacred to many American Indian groups.

back to index

In another area we toured Hungo Pavi. All the structures located at Chaco were oriented to solar, lunar and cardinal directions. Line of sight between the great houses allowed for communication. The buildings here at Chaco were placed within a landscape surrounded by sacred mountains, mesas and shrines that still have deep spiritual meaning.

back to index

The city of Farmington had many activities planned to celebrate July 4th. On Sunday evening we went to the park behind the museum to enjoy some music prior to the fireworks. Kissmah Brass, a band comprised of the finest brass instrument players in the Four Corners area, performed some of the most recognizable and exciting music for brass ever written.

back to index

During intermission the Foxfire Bluegrass group entertained us.

back to index

When it finally got dark around 9:30, we got to enjoy a spectacular fireworks display.

back to index

Contrary to the name, these structures were not built by the Aztecs of central Mexico. In fact, the Aztecs lived centuries after the building of this Ancestral Pueblo community. This community was carefully planned and built to include a variety of large public and smaller structures, earthworks and ceremonial buildings.

back to index

The first inhabitants of Aztec were strongly influenced by Chaco in architecture, ceramics and ceremonial life. By the time building ceased in the late 1200's, this complex consisted of several great houses, tri-walled kivas, small residential pueblos, earthworks, roads and great kivas.

back to index

Because of the heat, Farmington has its parade at night and calls it the Electrical Parade. We decided the only requirement to participation was that the vehicle had to have lights. There were 50 some entries - a few floats like this one but lots of cars with a string of Christmas lights. If nothing else, it was entertaining!

back to index