A few years ago I found myself in the desert of New Mexico and it didn’t take long to realize why it’s called ‘The Land of Enchantment’. I ventured out one day to see the Gila Valley Cliff Dwellings National Monument.
Sitting in the Gilla Wilderness area, about 45 north of Silver City, is this tucked away spot that gives a look at an ancient people who carved their homes into the rocks. This was one of the first national monuments established by President Roosevelt. It is also the first national wilderness area that was designated. The Gilla Valley Cliff Dwellings became a national monument on November 16, 1907.
These cliff dwellings were the home of the ancient people called the Mogollon. They are believed to have been in this area in the early 1200’s. The Mogollon were nomads, wandering from place to place and building temporary communities along the way. Historians believe that the Mogollon people lived her until around 1300 when they moved on to a different place.
These dwellings would hold 8-10 multi generational families. There are 42 rooms within the constructed homes of the rock. Visitors can see some remnants of the people from artifacts, tools, and markings on the walls. Everything within the dwellings have been preserved. These homes offered them shelter from the elements but also from animals who couldn’t climb the rocks.
Gazing out from the rocks and looking towards the surrounding wilderness, you can’t help but think of what it must have been like to be part of such a community. How different and simpler daily life must have been.
It was a fascinating look at this small piece of history and the people who built their homes in the rocks in this corner of what later became the beautiful state of New Mexico.
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