Memorial dedicated to the only meeting point for four states. Surrounding booths are staffed by tribes displaying and selling native handicrafts of all four States. The drive thru New Mexico to reach the Four Corners memorial passes by many scenes used in the making of western movies, including Shiprock Pinnacle. In a non-populated area so give yourself time to reach a final destination prior to nightfall.
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![Four Corners - Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico]()
The Story behind the picture
All four corners were represented by native tribes who sold goods celebrating their historical past.
John`s Comments
Found it quite interesting to view each quadrant specifically and note the different rock formations of each state. There is a noticable
difference that he had encountered during this mid west trip that spanned all four states. Colorado had the Rocky Mountains, Utah the
Sandstone formations where water had eroded and created wondrous formations, Arizona where erosion had created mountain Pinnacles
and the Grand Canyon and finally New Mexico with great sand dunes and butte formations.
John`s Recollections
Being able to straddle the four corners and view the surrounding sites is quite a feat. What did impress me the most though, was how in
each of the four corners the various Indian tribes had set up their different products for sale. The surrounding area provides many of the
background pictures used in movie scenes of the wild west frontier.
The southern states, have many types of historic ruins, but here the village is located high on rocky bluffs that provided the citizens with a natural fortress from their enemies. Remarkably some natives still live in the dwellings which seem to be quite habitable. Pay particular attention to the church building and the method of cooking.
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![Sky City ( Acoma ) - New Mexico]()
The Story behind the picture
Actually a small village sitting on top of rock type hill in New Mexico. This hill however, has a easily fortified rock perimeter that provided security to the native inhabitants many years ago. Still used today.
John`s Comments
One site that is from past centuries is still actually being used by native tribes today. This is quite rare, yet the introduction of motor
vehicles will likely cause life to change.
John`s Recollections
One can see how tribes maintained a long history. A very interesting stop. The climb down required that footings were seen before putting
your weight on the rock ledges, but it did add to the experience of seeing how this tribe lived during those days. While the village is
still occupied today much of the past has been retained and is still in use, such as the early buildings and church.
The Sahara desert is known by all, yet America has one of its` own deserts. The White Sands Desert, when in the park confines, appears to go on forever, and has sandstorms that mimic known major deserts. When visiting the parking lots and walking to the top of one of the small sand hills, your view is one of sand everywhere. You cannot escape that Lawrence of Arabia feeling, and are looking for camels to appear in the horizon.
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![White Sands Desert - New Mexico]()
The Story behind the picture
When one is the middle of this desert it gives one the feeling of never ending. You continue to keep looking for Lawrence of Arabia.
John`s Comments
Comparisons to what one sees in movie theaters is always in your mind, but really I personally would not wish to live here.
Seeing this helps to understand why water is so important in our life.
John`s Recollections
Not much to see but sand, but for North America it really is not a normal site. When you are standing in the center of this
desert, it seems quite similar to what you visualize the Sahara to be like.
Not over a large area, yet the round house is quite different compared to most ruins during this time. Having traveled thru these south-western states several times you are constantly reminded of past native life and you will be amazed at some of the unique building structures.
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![Aztec Ruins - New Mexico]()
The Story behind the picture
The architecture of the round house shows very aptly that even then, man was starting to build with eyes to the future.
John`s Comments
History does provide a great view as to how man has evolved, yet this site also indicates that even centuries prior civilizations
were adapting to improve their lifestyles.
John`s Recollections
A bit strange seeing these buildings and grounds in a very remote area. Many of these historic sites always seem to impress me as
to the how they were constructed and able to survive for so many years. The round house served as a meeting place for the town inhabitants.
