They came, and then they left, and no one knows why.
A group of Mogollon people (mountain people) who lived in what is now eastern Arizona, New Mexico, Chihuahua and part of Texas moved into caves just north of modern day Silver City in about 1276. The canyon they chose was rich in plant and animal life, had a good water source and was relatively secluded from other peoples. South facing, the caves have long hours of warm sunlight. They were carved into the side of the mountain by ancient rivers undercutting the softer layers of dirt and rock. The Mogollons built walls, rooms and even two-level dwellings. The cliff was accessed via steep paths and ladders that could be pulled up at night. They used adobe and pueblo building methods.
The rooves of the caves are still stained with the soot of fires. Many walls still stand. Individual rooms with window-like openings, and wood beams used to strengthen the walls and support ceilings can still be seen. Archeologists think the decorated pottery shards and a T shaped door show that they were involved in trade with other people in the area.
In the early 1300s they left.
Down at the river level, we saw another dwelling built into an overhang, as well as a rock face covered with primitive drawings. Evidence of multiple layers of pueblo type building were discovered when the road was built through the area.
We drove north and climbed up a steep, narrow, windy, sometimes snow covered road to get up to the Gila State Park this morning. I was nervous and handed driving duties over to Ken. He was just fine with them. Ken thought the forested areas looked a lot like the interior of BC. Even though we have been to the Grand Canyon twice, I think that some of the gorges, canyons, valleys and mountain roads we have seen on this trip are at least as noteworthy. Zion was perhaps more spectacular, but I have really enjoyed the scenery in the New Mexico mountains.
I remember taking my uncle who was visiting me in the Silver City area (I actually lived in Hurley NM for over 20 years) and he was scared to death. This was in the 1970’s so roads and the dwellings were just out there. There area was known by mostly locals. NM is a beautiful state!
Susan, the road still scared me. There had been snow the night before and it was still slippery in all the shady areas. I am not a big fan of narrow, winding, cliff ridden roads with no guard rails, so I have to bow my head in shame and admit that I let Ken take over the driving.