Aztec in San Juan County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Aztec Ruins National Monument

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, September 22, 2010

1. Aztec Ruins National Monument Marker

Inscription. Despite its name, this magnificent site reflects 11th century influence from nearby Chaco Canyon rather than from the later Aztecs of Mexico. The striking masonry pueblos illustrate the classic Chaco architectural style with later Mesa Verde additions. Aztec was finally abandoned in 1300.

Erected by New Mexico Historic Preservation Division.

Topics. This historical marker and monument is listed in this topic list: Indigenous Peoples and Communities. A significant historical year for this entry is 1300.

Location. 36° 49.598′ N, 108° 0.65′ W. Marker is in Aztec, New Mexico, in San Juan County. It is on West Aztec Boulevard (State Road 516 at milepost 12.7), one mile west of U.S. 550, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Aztec NM 87410, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker and monument is in New Mexico’s San Juan Basin.

It is also in the American Southwest,

in the Mountain West,

in Colorado Plateau,

and at the Four Corners.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Aztec Ruins National Monument (approx. ¾ mile away); a different marker also named Aztec Ruins National Monument (approx. 0.8 miles away); "For the Enlightenment of the Nation" (approx. 0.8 miles away); Crossroads Through Time (approx. 0.8 miles away); A Vibrant Pueblo (approx. 0.9 miles away); Armijo Returns Triumphant

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(approx. 0.9 miles away); At Home on the River (approx. 0.9 miles away); A River's Ancient Gifts (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Aztec.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, September 22, 2010

2. Aztec Ruins National Monument Marker

Aztec Ruins National Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, September 22, 2010

3. Aztec Ruins National Monument

Photographed by Mike Stroud, May 31, 1994

4. Aztec Ruins National Monument

Photographed by Mike Stroud, May 31, 1994

5. Aztec Ruins National Monument

Photographed by Mike Stroud, May 31, 1994

6. Aztec Ruins National Monument

Photographed by Mike Stroud, May 31, 1994

7. Aztec Ruins National Monument

Credits. This page was last revised on September 29, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 3, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,106 times since then and 17 times this year. Last updated on July 30, 2025, by Bill Wingate of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 3, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on October 6, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.