Part 5: Montezuma Well Heritage Site Incursion - Stardate 66148.7 (2012)
Prologue: The USS Urland Universe continues its "2012 Incursion" series, documenting the traveler's exploration of Montezuma Well Heritage Site.
Main Entry:
Montezuma Well Heritage Site (34.649152, -111.752286) stood out as a free site with free parking (34.648637, -111.754407) for the traveler. Located off I-17, outside of Sedona, the well impressed the traveler with its "amazing desert oasis views" alongside the ruins. Here's a view of Montezuma Well:
The land around Montezuma Well has been inhabited by various prehistoric groups since approximately 11,000 CE. The first historical groups arrived in the Verde Valley after Arizona became a territory in 1863. While some accounts suggest Spanish settlers passed through the area in the 1500s, they did not establish settlements.
The first Anglo-Americans to settle at Montezuma Well were Wales and Jennie Arnold in 1870. They operated a mail station and utilized the prehistoric irrigation canal to water their land. Ownership of the land then changed hands among ranchers, farmers, and business individuals until William and Marjorie Back claimed it. They managed a ranch, farm, and orchard. Legend has it that Abraham Lincoln “Link” Smith acquired the land around the Well in 1887 for a single horse, later selling it to the Backs in 1889 for a team of horses, thus "doubling his profit".
The Backs transformed Montezuma Well into a tourist attraction, charging for tours, displaying artifacts from nearby archaeological sites, and eventually operating campgrounds, picnic areas, and a resort. Popular attractions included boat tours of the Well. The family even made an unsuccessful attempt to stock the Well with fish for visitors to catch, but the fish did not survive. The Backs owned and maintained the land surrounding the Well for over 60 years.
In 1943, the Backs agreed to sell the land to the US government, and Congress approved the legislation. However, due to funding delays, Montezuma Well did not become part of the National Park Service until 1947. Montezuma Well now functions as a separate unit within Montezuma Castle National Monument. The National Park Service utilized the Back house and other structures until the Mission 66 initiative of the 1950s, which led to their removal. However, many of the original structures remain and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, visitors can still observe the irrigation canal, picnic areas, and the historic Back ranch house at Montezuma Well. The traveler was encouraged to explore the trails at Montezuma Well, noting its tranquility and its continued significance to local tribes. The shaded forest near the swallet ruin and the outlet provides a welcome respite from the Arizona sun, with temperature differences of up to 20 degrees cooler than the rim of the Well. The traveler imagined the Sinagua people spending hot summer days in this peaceful setting.
Conclusion: Montezuma Well offers a unique experience, blending natural beauty with a rich history spanning millennia. From its ancient inhabitants to its transformation into a tourist destination and its eventual incorporation into the National Park Service, Montezuma Well holds a significant place in the narrative of the Verde Valley. The well impressed the traveler with its "amazing desert oasis views" alongside the ruins. Notably, cliff dwellings are also perched along the rim of Montezuma Well, offering further evidence of ancient habitation. Here is a view of these cliff dwellings:
Epilogue: The USS Urland Universe has documented the traveler's exploration of Montezuma Well, highlighting its historical and cultural significance. The series continues with the traveler's exploration of Tuzigoot Heritage Site.
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