The incredible Puebloan construction of Montezuma Castle really does look like a castle. So much so that it fooled the early Europeans who named it in honor of Montezuma (thinking it was connected with the Aztecs). The history though is very impressive as is the engineering. Read up on the National Monument and how you can visit as … [Read more...]
National Monuments
Aztec Ruins National Monument: Visitor’s Guide
Designated a National Monument in 1923, Aztec Ruins National Monument protects an incredibly well preserved Puebloan village. Up to about the mid-11th century there were no inhabitants in this area and then folks continued to stream here and this village came to life. The area was cleared and built up quite considerably and was really well … [Read more...]
Camp Hale National Monument: Visitor Guide
1942 World War II has been raging throughout much of the world. The US had just entered the war a few months earlier. The US among other allies have been considering many options for assaulting Axis strongholds. America needed a better training and preparation facility for some of the harsh alpine conditions in Europe. History of Camp … [Read more...]
Guide to Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
Established in 1997, Agate Fossil Beds National Monument in Nebraska protects the excavation sites and fossil remains of some of the world's oldest mammals. The site covers over 3,000 acres of land and has several excavation sites, a visitor center, exhibits, and walking trails. About Agate Fossil Beds National Monument The site is known … [Read more...]
Scotts Bluff National Monument Visitor’s Guide
Established in 1919, Scottsbluff National Monument protects an important landmark along the Oregon Trail, California Trail, and Pony Express Trail. It was one of the most referenced landmarks in diaries and journals of travels along the trails. About Scotts Bluff National Monument "Go West, young man, and grow up with the … [Read more...]
Guide to Exploring Dinosaur National Monument
One of the most remote parts of Colorado, Dinosaur National Monument is along the area of the country famous for its fossils. I was shocked to learn that the majority of dinosaur fossils, including many of the famous big ones are from the US across much of the mountain region. Much of these areas were part of a great sea that covered the land and … [Read more...]
Guide to Capulin Volcano National Monument
There's quite a few Volcanoes in the United States, and one thing I learn is there are far more than I ever realized. Capulin Volcano National Monument protects an extinct cinder cone volcano in the New Mexico Mountains. One thing I found fascinating about this volcano is that it rises pretty solidary from the plains around it. You can really … [Read more...]
Visiting Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
There's a lot to the story of Custer's last stand. Which is how it's always been taught to me for so many years up through childhood. It's almost a bit strange, to here where it actually occurred. And I'm glad even the place is better about discussing the Native American impact of it. About Little Bighorn National Battlefield June 25, … [Read more...]
Guide to Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
There are quite a few Fossil related National Monument Sites. Located in Central Colorado, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument protects a large area of fossil beds known for their insect and plant related fossils. Most of the fossils however are indoors, so is it worth visiting? Learn about the site and what you can do here. About … [Read more...]
Guide to Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve
Craters of the Moon National Monument feels like a world away. It even feels a bit extra terrestrial. So much so, that NASA actually uses Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve to train future astronauts for missions on the moon and mars. So, maybe the name is apropos. Visiting here was a highlight of my time traveling through … [Read more...]
Visiting Pullman National Monument – Illinois
Established as a National Monument in 2015, Pullman National Monument protects the historic Pullman District of Chicago. The area had it's start as a company town for the Pullman Company; a manufacturer of Railroad Cars from the mid-19th to mid-20th Century. Pullman was famous for the invention of the sleeper car. The site was originally designated … [Read more...]
Guide to Visiting Pompeys Pillar National Monument
Located about 25 miles west of Billings Montana, Pompeys Pillar National Monument protects an outcropping that houses the signature of William Clark. William Clark of the Lewis and Clark duo, famed explorer, rested here on his return trip to St. Louis. Scaling the rock he chose a spot near Native rock carvings to add his signature to the rock as … [Read more...]