Events OF HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE
Reading edition
1st century[1] B. C. or A. D. The earliest occupation of Cliff Palace cave was probably before, or immediately following, the beginning of the Christian era. These earliest occupants, known to scientists as Basket Makers, were the first agricultural Indians of the Southwest.
4th to 7th[1] centuries A. D. By the beginning of the fourth century A. D., the early agriculturists were developing the art of pottery making. Later, their semisubterranean homes were spread widely over the Mesa Verde.
7th to 10th[1] centuries A. D. During the three or four centuries preceding 1000 A. D., the Pueblo Culture on Mesa Verde was developing from modest beginnings toward its classical stage, which culminated in the building of the great cliff dwelling.
1066 Earliest date established for large Mesa Verde cliff dwellings. (Beam section from Mug House.)
1073-1273 Construction of Cliff Palace.
1276 Beginning of 23-year drought, an important factor in forcing the Cliff dwellers from the Mesa Verde.
1776 Expedition of Padre Silvestre Velez de Escalante to southwestern Colorado. Party camped at the base of the Mesa Verde.
1859 Ascent of the north escarpment of Mesa Verde by Capt. J. N. Macomb, of the United States Army, and members of his party of geologists.
1874 Discovery of the ruins in the Mancos Canyon by W. H. Jackson, United States Geological Survey. Party attacked by Ute Indians.
1888 Discovery of Cliff Palace and other major ruins by Richard Wetherill and Charlie Mason.
1891 First organized archeological expedition to Mesa Verde, under direction of Baron G. Nordenskiöld.
1906 Mesa Verde National Park created June 29.
1907 Excavation of Spruce Tree House by Dr. J. Walter Fewkes, of Smithsonian Institution.
1909 Excavation of Cliff Palace.
1911 Excavation and repair of Balcony House by Jesse L. Nusbaum.
1913 First entrance road completed. First automobile in Spruce Tree Camp. Extension of park boundaries to include notable ruins and archeological remains.
1914 Construction of first wagon road from Spruce Tree Camp to principal cliff dwellings.
1915 Sun Temple excavated by Dr. Fewkes.
1916 Far View House excavated by Dr. Fewkes.
1917 First Government-constructed trails to Spring House and Soda Canyon.
1918 First camp accommodations established at Spruce Tree Camp.
1919 Square Tower House excavated.
1921 Establishment of superintendent’s office and home at Spruce Tree Camp.
1925 First unit of park museum constructed from donated funds.
1926 Excavation of Step House Ruin and discovery of very early occupation of cave by Basket Maker III culture predating the cliff dwellers by several hundred years.
1928 Exclusive jurisdiction of park tendered to the United States and accepted by act of Congress April 25.
1934 Completion of deep water well (4,192 feet).