Aztec in San Juan County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
A River's Ancient Gifts
Aztec Ruins National Monument
Photographed By Jason Voigt, October 14, 2021
1. A River's Ancient Gifts Marker
The Animas Glacier likely advanced for the first time 800,000 years ago and retreated for the last time about 12,000 years ago. It left behind debris - like the round stone cobbles you see in the river channel today.
The water and ecosystems of the Animas River sustained Ancestral Pueblo people in this area for centuries. Residents left the large pueblo settlement here sometime between the years 1280 and 1300.
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The Animas River is part of the vast Colorado River watershed, which spans nearly 250,000 square miles.
Erected by National Park Service and U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1280.
Location. 36° 49.947′ N, 107° 59.732′ W. Marker is in Aztec, New Mexico, in San Juan County. Marker can be reached from Road 2900 near Ruins Road. Marker is on a bridge that is part of a walking trail.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. At Home on the River (here, next to this marker); A Daring Plan (within shouting distance of this marker); Armijo Returns Triumphant (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Vibrant Pueblo (about 400 feet away); Crossroads Through Time (approx. 0.2 miles away); Aztec Ruins National Monument (approx. 0.3 miles away); "For the Enlightenment of the Nation" (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named Aztec Ruins National Monument (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Aztec.
Regarding A River's Ancient Gifts. This is one of six markers (as of October 2021), placed by the NPS, that are part of a trail that is to connect from the Aztec Ruins National Monument to Main Street in Aztec. The trail is to tell the history of the Old Spanish Trail. Parts of the trail were under construction at this time.
Photographed By Jason Voigt, October 14, 2021
2. A River's Ancient Gifts Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 22, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 115 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 22, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
