Montezuma Castle, Tuzigoot Ruins, and Museum of Northern Arizona

As we approached the Red Rock Canyon, south of Sedona, we did not know of the Southern Sinagua Indians who lived around the Verde River Valley. They occupied the area between 1000 AD and 1400 AD.

Having had some information about lesser Indian groups in this area, we decided to further educate ourselves.

A. Montezuma Castle

Just before we began to descend the mountainous homes of the Mogollon, we viewed the Verde River Valley from the Mogollon Rim.
Our first view of Montezuma Castle. These ruins were built by the Sinagua Indians.
Early American settlers marveled at the structure. They assumed it was Aztec in origin, hence the name Montezuma Castle. This 20-room dwelling occupied a cliff recess 100 feet above the valley.
A short distance from the Montezuma Castle is Castle A. Now badly deteriorated, it was once an imposing 5-story apartment-like building with about 45 rooms (this is a photograph from an information posting).
This diorama of Montezuma Castle was built by a ranger in 1951 It depicts the 5 levels like that of Castle A.

B. Tuzigoot Ruins

Tuziroot is the Apache name for crooked water. This was another Sinagua Indian dwelling.

We felt this photograph of YAPOP – (Yet Another Photograph Of Pottery) was worth posting since this pottery was excavated at this site. The ranger was very proud to point out that this museum contained items actually excavated from this National Monument site.
The Tuzigoot Village crowns the summit of a long ridge rising 120 feet above Verde River Valley. The Sanaguas lived up on this crest and farmed the valley below.

C. The Museum of Northern Arizona

While Meriam and I enjoyed this museum, it seemed to focus more on the cultures of modern Indians such as the Zuni, Hopi, and Aztecs.

Not to belittle late-period day Indians, displays of their creations are most impressive.

Meriam was intrigued by the double layers of silver used to create these items. This technique was taught to returning WWII veterans.
Posted in 2024 - The Southwest
11 comments
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  • Andrew AllenPretty cool. We visited Sedona last summer. Beautiful areaReplyCancel

    • HaroldWe agree, Andrew. However, it’s a bit to crowded for us. While not as commercial/touristy, Cottonwood is worth visiting.ReplyCancel

  • GaryThank you for sharing ReplyCancel

  • Donwow!ReplyCancel

  • mao  In your YAPOP photo I was reminded how archaeologists have to have a lot of patience to try to fit chards of pottery together to make a whole pot.  I guess when they retire they put together puzzles like many do here at Atria.  Thank you for the interesting lessons.  
    We have been to Mesa Verde several times.  It must be close to these cliff dwellers.ReplyCancel

    • HaroldMAO, we liked your comment about retired archaeologists. Meriam says she would like to be one in her next life. Yes, these dwellings are not too far from Mesa Verde (about 350 miles.)ReplyCancel

  • ColleenLove all the history you are sharing ReplyCancel

    • HaroldThanks, Colleen. We try to “dig” up as much history as we can understand. One of the issues we are still struggling with is how all the various tribes traveled, mingled, and assimilated over time. Maybe we will get this figured out before we return home.ReplyCancel

  • Sherry MaskSaddle and jewelry are fabulous / so very interesting. ReplyCancel