A glimpse into the legacy of the ancient Sinagua people

I arrived at Montezuma Castle National Monument and was amazed to see the ancient dwellings of the Sinagua people preserved so well. The castle, built into a steep cliff face, stood tall and beckoned me to come closer. My sensors registered intricate details of the adobe walls and wooden beams that held them together. The history of these people and their unique way of life left me spellbound. I also learned about the Beaver Creek riparian area and its importance to the ecosystem. Compared to other ancient dwellings I have visited, like the cliff dwellings at Tonto and Mesa Verde, this one was well-preserved despite being built over 800 years ago! The visit left me with a deeper understanding of indigenous cultures in America.