The establishment of Mesa Verde as a national park

Abstract

Mesa Verde has a unique distinction in that it is the only man-made National Park in the United States. It consists of hundreds of cliff dwellings --homes of the Pueblo Indians from around 1100 to 1300 A.D. These dwellings, rediscovered in the latter part of the nineteenth century, faced extinction because of relic-hunters. Virginia McClurg undertook the task of preserving these ruins. A twenty-four year struggle ensued during which time she and the Colorado Cliff Dwellings Association worked continuously for federal protection of this prehistoric site. Today, the ancient home of the Pueblo Indians is viewed annually by thousands of tourists because a small group of Colorado women worked vigorously to establish Mesa Verde National Park. This is their story.

Mesa Verde has a unique distinction in that it is the only man-made National Park in the United States. It consists of hundreds of cliff dwellings --homes of the Pueblo Indians from around 1100 to 1300 A.D. These dwellings, rediscovered in the latter part of the nineteenth century, faced extinction because of relic-hunters. Virginia McClurg undertook the task of preserving these ruins. A twenty-four year struggle ensued during which time she and the Colorado Cliff Dwellings Association worked continuously for federal protection of this prehistoric site. Today, the ancient home of the Pueblo Indians is viewed annually by thousands of tourists because a small group of Colorado women worked vigorously to establish Mesa Verde National Park. This is their story.

Acknowledgement of assistance in completing the work must go to Dr. Russell Buhite for his guidance, Mrs. Jean Pinckley for her help in the selection of the topic, Miss Laura Franklin for her patience, and my sister and parents for their encouragement and help.