Scott State Park in Scott County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
El Cuartelejo Archeology
In 1899, when Prof. H. T. Martin of the University of Kansas made the first archeological excavations of El Cuartelejo, most of the lower part of the original stone work was still in place, as shown in this photograph. Evidences of several other buildings about 100 yards south and 25 yards north were also reported.
Later archeological work was carried out by the Smithsonian Institution in 1939, Northern Illinois University in 1965 and the Kansas State Historical Society in 1970. These investigations located borrow pits near the pueblo walls which contained numerous discarded Apache stone and bone tools, ornament, pottery sherds and butchered animal bones, all indications of a lengthy occupancy by a considerable number of people. Small quantities of Puebloan, Wichita Indian and European trade pieces were also recovered. Post holes wedged with bone found along the south side of the pueblo pointed to the existence of a work area covered by a portallis or porch-like shelter. The floors of two Apache lodges were also discovered and excavated about 700 yards north near Ladder Creek.
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El Cuartelejo pueblo as it may have appeared when occupied. This view of the south and west sides is an artist's re-creation based on archeological evidence.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Education • Native Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 1899.
Location. 38° 40.609′ N, 100° 54.886′ W. Marker is in Scott State Park, Kansas, in Scott County. Marker is adjacent to the ruins, at the end of the path from the parking lot on West Scott Lake Drive. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Scott City KS 67871, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Plains Apache at El Cuartelejo (a few steps from this marker); Pueblo Floor Plan (a few steps from this marker); El Cuartelejo (a few steps from this marker); El Quartelejo (within shouting distance of this marker); Steele Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Battle Canyon, 1878 (approx. 2.4 miles away); a different marker also named El Quartelejo (approx. 3.3 miles away); BOD (approx. 11.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Scott State Park.
Also see . . .
1. El Cuartelejo. Kansapedia entry (Submitted on June 14, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. History of Scott State Park, Kansas. Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism website entry (Submitted on June 14, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. Western Vistas Historic Byway. Kansas Byways website entry (Submitted on April 24, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 24, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 14, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 523 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 14, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on June 13, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.