New Mexico XIX

One of the most interesting things I have found in my travels in New Mexico is the Acoma Pueblo, aka Sky City. Located about 40 miles west of Albuquerque, it is a city located atop a mesa, 367 feet above the flatland. Until the 1950's the only way up was by use of  hand holes set in a pattern known only to the inhabitants. A movie company wanted to film there and part of the deal was they had to build a road. I could go on for pages about this unique place.

When I first visited, many years ago, you had to wait in what was little more than a shack to ride up the twisty road to visit the city. Over the years the tribe has built a magnificent welcoming center and museum and the bus, if not the road, as improved greatly.

 On a visit a few years back I was thrilled to see that they had built a veterans memorial in the courtyard behind the museum. It honors those from the tribe lost in several wars. One of these was lost in Vietnam.

The Pueblo is rich in history and I recommend a visit if you are ever in the area. there are guided tours given by the residents most of whom have moved to the "low lands" to farm, but there are 14 families that live atop full time. they make, and offer for sale, many truly authentic handmade items. Well worth the visit.

To see additional memorials from New Mexico, or any other state, please click on the state name on the left side of this page.

Next time, on the 16th, we will return to New York, so join me there at 9:00am.