241 reviews of Montezuma Castle National Monument "Another amazing ancient dwelling proclaimed in 1906 as "of the greatest ethnological and scientific interest." Source for information on Montezuma Castle National … Montezuma Castle National Monument quickly became a destination for America's first car-bound tourists. It is located about 5 miles north of the Castle near the town of Rimrock, Arizona, accessible from exits 293 and 298 off Interstate 17. Until 1951, visitors to Montezuma Castle National Monument also used ladders to access the cliff dwelling. This is worth checking out. Although not in Sedona, Montezuma Castle is an beautiful photo stop if you are driving up from Phoenix. Montezuma Castle National Monument, archaeological site in central Arizona, U.S. 2,279 sq. info)), variant spellings include Motecuhzomatzin, Montezuma, Moteuczoma, Motecuhzoma, Motēuczōmah, Muteczuma, and referred to retroactively in European sources as Moctezuma II, was the ninth tlatoani or ruler of the Aztec Empire, reigning from 1502 or 1503 to 1520. Montezuma Castle, a 5 story, 20 room living space built by the Sinagua people between 1100-1300, is one of the best preserved cliff dwellings in the country. Montezuma Castle Is A Misnomer. However, due to extensive damage to this valuable cultural landmark, public access of the ruins was discontinued in 1951. Now Montezuma Castle (or the Davis International Center as it’s know today) houses multiple college facilities including the school’s dinning hall, dorm rooms, offices and classrooms. It has no connection with the Aztec emperor whose name it bears but was named by settlers who believed it had been built by Aztec refugees from Mexico. Within a few minutes you will be at the parking lot. The tale is fraught with fires, financial instability, neglect—and ultimately, revival. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Montezuma Castle National Monument, 858 acres (347 hectares), central Ariz.; est. On December 8, 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt celebrated the passage of the Antiquities Act by declaring four sites of historic and cultural significance as our nation's first National Monuments. This five story 50 room cliff dwelling is one of the best preserved in all of North America. Another part of the cliff wall bears the marks of an even larger dwelling, which has not survived. The five-story, 20 room cliff dwelling, was used by the Sinagua Indians over 600 years ago. MontezuMa Castle FACT SHEET Montezuma Castle, a Sinagua cliff dwelling built and lived in between A.D. 1100 and A.D. 1425, is one of the best preserved prehistoric structures in all the Southwest. There is a short interpretive walk along the cliff in which one can see the … Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership. Montezuma Castle, built c.1250, is a 5-story, 20-room dwelling perched high in the cavity of a cliff. (Sinagua means “without water” in Spanish). The ruin faces south, a characteristic of most cliff dwellings that allows them to catch and retain as much warmth from the sun as possible. When hearing the name Montezuma, most people think of the legendary Aztec ruler who reigned in the land that is today Mexico. From late June through early August, monsoons are common in the afternoons. The dwelling has five stories and 20 rooms, giving it its castle-like appearance. Summer days in central Arizona can be extremely hot, with temperatures upwards of 95°F (35°C) and occasionally exceeding 110°F (42°C). The ruins of Montezuma Castle span over 4000 square feet and were not discovered until the 1860’s. Montezuma Castle National Monument Facts: In 2006, I was fortunate enough while on a business trip to visit my very first ruins. However, he had nothing to do with this Montezuma Castle in Arizona, thousands of miles from his homeland, inhabited at least a century before he was born. Montezuma's indecision in the face of these unknown invaders certainly contributed to the fall of his empire and civilization. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Cliff dwellings that were once home to the prehistoric Sinagua people, dating back to 1100. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. 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. Montezuma Castle, Arizona. Established in 1906, it has an area of 1.3 square miles (3.4 square km) and comprises one of the best-preserved pre-Columbian Pueblo Indian cliff dwellings in the United States. Montezuma Castle became a National Monument in 1906. A second multi-storey castle allowed for about 200 people to live here. A natural overhang shades the rooms and shelters them from rain. Montezuma's Castle. ft. Get home facts, home value, real estate property report and neighborhood information. Coming the other direction from Flagstaff, then the drive is only going to take less than 1 hour. At first, visitors could climb up the structure, but the direct contact started damaging it. Book your tickets online for Montezuma Castle National Monument, Camp Verde: See 2,491 reviews, articles, and 1,720 photos of Montezuma Castle National Monument, ranked No.3 on Tripadvisor among 16 attractions in Camp Verde. They used ladders to enter it. Montezuma Castle was a cliff dwelling housing about 50 people. Montezuma Castle History Named one of America’s first National Monuments in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt, today over 350,000 people visit Montezuma Castle each year. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Take exit 289, toward the Montezuma Castle National Monument. Established December 8, 1906, Montezuma Castle is the third National Monument dedicated to preserving Native American culture. Montezuma Castle National Monument . Among these was Montezuma Castle, which the President identified as a place "of the greatest ethnological value and scientific interest." Residents of the apartment-style structure used long ladders to reach their high-rise homes. Sedona, AZ. According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Montezuma Castle National Monument: Montezuma Castle - Tuzigoot National Monument Private Luxury Car Tour (From US$203.08) Sedona with Jerome and Montezuma Castle One-Day Van Tour (From US$129.00) Sedona Day Trip from Phoenix (From US$195.00) In 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt declared Montezuma Castle a National Monument, one of the first in the country, ensuring its protection. Montezuma Castle National Park is an extraordinary ruins site in Arizona. 01 Even 600 years after their departure, the legacy of the Sinagua people continues to inspire the imaginations of this and future generations. Omissions? Turn right on West Middle Verde Rd till you come to Montezuma Castle Road, where you will need to turn left. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Montezuma Castle, which is not actually a castle, is a series of ancient, well preserved cliff dwellings (an early apartment complex) that were built and lived in by the Sinagua as early as 1100 AD. Motezuma's Castle is a five-story cliff dwelling consisting of about twenty rooms, built into an alcove 100 feet above the floor of Beaver Creek Canyon (Photos 1 thru 5). It was inhabited by the Sinagua tribe over 400 years ago. A cliff dwelling built by the prehistoric Sinagua people, Montezuma Castle National Monument took three centuries to complete. 7. To the northeast is Montezuma Well, a large sinkhole rimmed with communal Sinagua dwellings dating from about 1125 to 1400. Located about 11 miles from the Montezuma's Castle National Monument, visitors may also be intrigued by the chain of life at the Montezuma Well. This is worth checking out. This biography of Montezuma II provides detailed information about his childhood, life, achievements, works & timeline However, thousands of tourists trekking through the site began to wear down the delicate … Montezuma Castle is actually one of the United State's first National Monuments. 1. Montezuma Castle National Monument quickly became a destination for America's first car-bound tourists. Now, approximately 350,000 people a year gaze through the the windows of the past during a visit to Montezuma Castle. In 1906, President Roosevelt declared Montezuma a place “of the greatest ethnological value and scientific interest,” making it one of the first four national monuments. In 1933, "Castle A", a 45-50 room, pueblo ruin was excavated, uncovering a wealth of artifacts and greatly enhanced our understanding of the Sinagua people who inhabited this riparian "oasis" along Beaver Creek for over 400 years. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). There is much more to Montezuma than his defeat by the Spanish, however. The dwellings were built and used by the Sinagua people, indigenous people that are related to the Hohokam and other indigenous peoples of the southwestern United States, between … The monument is open every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and there is a $10 fee per person (but it's good for both Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments). This 20-room cliff-dwelling was once occupied by the Sinagua Native American tribe. Montezuma II was the ninth emperor of the Aztec Empire who ruled from 1502 to 1520. Montezuma Castle. It was named by early settlers who believed it had been built by the Aztecs. In its early days, the Castle served as a glorious resort jpte; for thousands of well-heeled visitors who sought out the healing waters of the nearby … (#141933781) The structure makes use of available materials such as limestone blocks, mud plaster, and soil mortar. Although very few original artifacts remained in the structure due to intensive looting of the site, Roosevelt's decision assured the continued protection of one of the best preserved prehistoric cliff dwellings in North America. Montezuma Castle, comprising 840 acres, is located approximately within the town of Camp Verde, 50 miles south of Flagstaff and 90 miles north of Phoenix, Arizona. Montezuma Castle has won many awards as one of the great historical restorations in the United States, and was designated one of “America’s Treasures” by the White House Millennium … It can be reached by taking Exit 289 off I-17 and following the signs 3 miles to the Visitor Center parking lot. Montezuma Well, a natural limestone sinkhole, measuring approximately 100 by 120 yards, also containing Sinagua dwellings, was purchased by the federal government in 1947 and is considered a detached unit of Montezuma Castle National Monument. The “castle” is a five-story, 20-room mud-and-stone structure, dating from about 1100 ce, built into a cavity in the limestone cliff face about 80 feet (24 metres) above the valley floor by the prehistoric Sinagua people. View the dwelling from the lookout point … It is almost wholly intact. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/place/Montezuma-Castle-National-Monument, Arizona Leisure - Montezuma Castle National Monument, National Park Service - Montezuma Castle National Monument, The American Southwest - Montezuma Castle National Monument, DesertUSA - Montezuma's Castle National Monument, Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. If passing through, be sure to see it, it's quite a sight. In 1933, "Castle A", a 45-50 room, pueblo ruin was excavated, uncovering a wealth of artifacts and greatly enhanced our understanding of the Sinagua people who inhabited this riparian "oasis" along Beaver Creek for over 400 years. Montezuma Castle Facts. Updates? Montezuma's Castle is a five-story stone and mortar dwelling containing 20 rooms that once housed about 50 people. Montezuma II Xocoyotzin was leader of the Mexica (Aztec) Empire in 1519 when Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes showed up with a powerful army. Hotels near Montezuma Castle National Monument, Camp Verde on Tripadvisor: Find 15,612 traveler reviews, 3,984 candid photos, and prices for 213 hotels near Montezuma Castle National Monument in Camp Verde, AZ. Archaeology at Montezuma Castle A very neat set of ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings in a very lush river … A five storey, 20 room dwelling built into the side of a cliff. See National Parks and Monuments (table). Montezuma Castle National Monument stands in a sheer limestone cliff recess about 100 feet above the Verde Valley in Camp Verde, Arizona. Due to heavy concentrations of dissolved carbon dioxide, nearly 600 times higher than most other aquatic environments, Montezuma Well contains no fish. 1906. Weather at Montezuma Castle National Monument can vary greatly with the time of year. It is almost wholly intact. Early visitors to the monument were allowed access to the structure by climbing a series of ladders up the side of the limestone cliffs. A very neat set of ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings in a very lush river … Corrections? The “castle” is a five-story, 20-room mud-and-stone structure, dating from about 1100 ce, built into a cavity in the limestone cliff face about 80 feet (24 metres) above the valley floor by the prehistoric Sinagua people. Free property Report for 867 N Montezuma Castle Hwy, Camp Verde, AZ 86322 - Single Family Residence. Check out these other 5 amazing facts about the remarkable Montezuma Castle. The astonishing level of preservation of this 19-room, 5-story building is in part the result of environmental conditions, but also of pre- Enjoy an information center available where you can learn more about the native populations that inhabited this area. The Montezuma Castle is a five-story, stone structure situated 50 feet above the valley of the river Verde. The Montezuma Castle The story of the Montezuma Castle is one of glory, despair, and glory once again. 1) The Montezuma Castle Name Can be a Little Misleading In fact, this ancient ruin near Campe Verde, Arizona doesn’t match […] The cliff face into which the structure is built consists of a whitish, fairly soft limestone that has weathered to produce numerous alcoves and caves, many of which have be… The monument lies in the Verde River valley just northeast of Camp Verde and about 20 miles (32 km) southeast of Tuzigoot National Monument. 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