Montezuma Castle National Monument- Cliff dwelling was named after the Aztec leader Montezuma
The castle is located near the top of a Verde Valley cliff and is one of the best preserved cliff dwellings in North America.
The cliff dwellers who lived there were Sinagua, or "People Without Water", as referred to by Spanish explorers.The Sinagua were also Anasazi, or considered very Ancient Ones.
Sinaqua, were very intelligent and risky builders. They made ladders to climb up to Montezuma Castle which made it incredibly difficult for enemy tribes to penetrate the natural defense of its vertical barrier.
They however, mysteriously disappeared before the modern Indians inhabited the area.
The last known record of Sinagua occupation at Montezuma Castle National Monument was around 1425 AD.
Spirits of the past has been felt by a number of visitors and employees at the castle. Spirits that seem very non-threatening and peaceful.
Psychic feelings, impressions from people have also been reported.
Strange ghostly presences occasionally appear below the cliff dwelling. This usually is reported by visitors strolling along the "Beaver Creek" area.
.The dwellings and the surrounding area were declared a U.S. National Monument on; December 8, 1906.
The castle is located near Camp Verde, Arizona, in the Southwestern United States, on 2800 Montezuma Castle Hwy.
While visiting the castle one should also visit " Montezuma's Well" which is located approximately 7 miles north of the castle.
The well is, "470 foot in diameter" and made of limestone. Water from natural springs below feeds the well, approximately 1.5- 2.0 gallons of water a day.
Yavapai Indians, thought the water to be sacred and to this day are said to protect it spiritually from being misused or the earth being abused.
So take care when visiting the "well" or the "castle" not to stir up the protective spirits.
Comments