B a b/ 1 mmtw m ."VI..S.. --D-* . ^^^^^^H H h^^S-^^.k-!^ wy.,.>^^.i..| ;^| 4534 ^^H 1 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. . GENERAL LAND OFFICE. CIRCULAR RELATING TO HISTORIC AND PREHISTORIC RUINS OF THE SOUTHWEST THEIR PRESERVATION. Cornell University Library E 61.H59 Circular relatma to historic and ^g^^ 3 1924 028 710 527 WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1904. Cornell University Library The original of this bool< is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31 92402871 0527 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. \j!^,'% GENERAL LANE) OFFICE. CIRCULAR * RELATING TO HISTORIC AND PREHISTORIC RUINS OF THE SOUTHWEST AND THEIR PRESERVATION. 0" WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1904. & H '7T^'B {( ] A,)^5^3^2^ C3 HISTORIC AND PREHISTORIC RUINS OF THE SOUTHWEST AND THEIR PRESERVATION. By EDGAR L. HEWETT. Department of the Interior, General Land Office Washington, D. C. , October 1, 1904,. Sir: I transmit herewith a report prepared at the request of this office by Prof. Edgar L. Hewett, formerly president of the New Mex- ico Normal University at Las Vegas, N. Mex., in regard to the his- toric and prehistoric ruins of the Southwest, and their preservation. 1 also transmit herewith a map showing the location of different ruins, and photographs illustrating the same, and have to request that said report, map, and photographs be printed, as they contain much valuable information in regard to prehistoric ruins. Very respectfully, W. A. Richards, The Secretary of the Interior. Commissioner. Washington, D. C, Septembers, 1904. _ Dear Sir: I beg leave to hand you herewith a memorandum rela- tive to the historic and prehistoric ruins of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah. * * * I believe that in what is said relative to the necessity for speedy action looking toward the preservation of these ruins I reflect the sentiment of all who have seriously thought of this subject. I can testify to the general appreciation of the excellent work of your Office in this matter in recent years. I beg leave to remain, with sincere respect, very truly yours, Edgar L. Hewett, 123 Maryland avenue NE. The Commissioner of the General Land Office, Washington, D. C. MEHORANDUM CONCERNING THE fflSTORIC AND FREfflSTORIC RUINS OF ARIZONA, NEW MEXICO, COLORADO AND UTAH, AND THEIR PRESERVATION. The importance of the large number of historic and prehistoric ruins scattered over the semiarid region of the southwestern part of the United States has gradually come to be recognized. Every cliff dwelling, every prehistoric tower, communal house, shrine and burial mound is an object which can contribute something to the advancement of knowledge, and hence is worthy of preservation. Knowledge of the extent, location and nature of these ruins has been accumulating 3 4 HISTORIC AND PEEHISTOBIC RUINS OF THE SOUTHWEST. for many years. We now know them to be very numerous and of great value. The question of the preservation of this vast treasury of informa- tion relative to our prehistoric tribes has come to be a matter of much concern to the American people. Fortunately there seems to be no barrier to the speedy accomplishment of this. By the prompt exercise of the authority lodged in various branches of the Interior Department, the preservation of the ruins is assured. I shall endeavor to show that there is urgent need for the immediate exercise of this authority. This done, the work of legislation to the end that these regions may be made a perpetual source of education and enjoyment for the American people as well as for travelers from foreign lands may pro- ceed with the careful deliberation which the subject demands. Unquestionably some of these regions are sufficiently rich in historic and scientific interest and scenic beauty to warrant their organization into permanent national parks. Many others should be temporarily withdrawn and allowed to revert to the public domain after the ruins thereon have been examined by competent authority, the collections therefrom properly cared for, and all data that can be secured made a matter of permanent record. General legislation providing for the creation and administration of such parks and providing for the exca- vation of ruins in the interests of science only is urgently needed. It is well known that during recent years an extensive traffic has arisen in relics from these ruins. In securing these, buildings, mounds, etc., have been destroyed. These relics are priceless wien secured by proper scientific methods and of comparatively little value when scat- tered about either in museums or private collections without accom- panying records. No scientific man is true to the highest ideals of science who does not protest against this destructive work, and it will be a lasting reproach upon our Government if it does not use its power to restrain it. With a view to furnishing concise information upon which preserv- ative measures may be based I have compiled the accompanying map, showing by geographical districts the location of the most important ruins in the pueblo region. My sources of information have been both official and unofficial, and the work is based upon the highest authority obtainable. However, the map is not intended to be mathe- matically correct. It will show, approximately, the location of impor- tant ruins. Some may have entirely disappeared since the maps were made from which this compilation is made, and more recent surveys might require important modifications. It may serve as a beginning for something more exact and more complete. I have prepared to accompany this a memorandum concerning the ruins located on each district, and have taken the liberty to point out how adequate protec- tion may be afforded such as are on the public domain. Reference to the accompanying map will show at a glance that the distribution of the prehistoric tribes of the Southwest was determined by the drainage system. The great basins of the Rio Grande, the San Juan, the Little Colorado and the Gila constitute the four great seats of prehistoric culture of the so-called pueblo region. The remains of this ancient culture are scattered extensively over these four areas, and it is not to be hoped nor would it be a service to science to attempt to preserve all these remains. They are of the three great types, pueblo ruins, cliff houses, and cavate dwellings, with their accompanying HISTORIC AND PEEHISTOEIC RUINS OF THE SOUTHWEST. 5 burial mounds, kivas, shrines, etc., and are practically innumerable. All measures for their preservation should look toward the encourage- ment of research and tne advancement of knowledge, and not toward its restriction. I am of the opinion that if the principal groups or districts of ruins of each great culture area can be protected by the Department of the Interior, and no excavation permitted thereon except by responsible parties bearing proper permission from the Department, the highest interests of the people will be upheld. 1 have shown on the accompanying map that the majority of the ruins of the four great basins are embraced in 20 districts. The circles on the map are not intended to tix absolutel}^ the boundai'ies of these districts. They are merely intended to show approximately how the ruins may be grouped for convenience in protection. The districts are grouped as follows: I. The Eio Grande Basin: 1. The Pajarito Park district. 2. The Pecos Pueblo district. 3. The Gran Quivira district. 4. The Jemez district. 5. The Acoma district. II. The San Juan !^aain: 1. The Aztec district. 2. The Mesa Verde district. 3. The Chaco Canon district. 4. The Canon de Chelly district. 5. The Bluff district. III. The Little Colorado Basin: 1. The Tusayan district. 2. The Flagstaff district. 3. The Holbrook district 4. The Zuiii district. IV. The Gila Basin: 1. The Eio Verde district. 2. The San Carlos district. 3. The Lower Gila district. 4. The Middle Gila district. 5. The Upper Gila district. 6. The San Francisco Elver district. A few illustrations are inserted to show more in detail the character of some important ruins. Following is a brief memorandum showing the nature, extent and condition of the ruins on each district: I. RIO GRAHDE BASIN. This culture area, lying wholly in New Mexico, embraces the Eio Grande Valley with its tributaries from Ojo Caliente on the north to Socorro on the south and from Acoma on the west to the plains east of the Manzano Mountains. 1. PAJARITO PARK DISTRICT. This district lies between the Rio Grande on the east and the Jemez Mountains on the west, and extends from Ojo Caliente on the north to Cochiti on the south. In the northern part are the ruins of Homayo, Houiri (Ho-we-re), and Pose on Ojo Caliente Creek. Ten miles west, below El Eito, is the large ruin of Sepawi (Se-paw-we). Near the vil- lage of Abiquiu, on the Eio Chama, is the important ruin of Tsiwari (Tsi-wa-re). These are all pueblo ruins, and not well preserved. The central portion of the district is the Pajarito Park proper, the region that has for some years been under withdrawal by the General 6 HISTOEIC AND PEEHISTOBIO KDINS OF THE SOUTHWEST. Land Office and favorably reported on for a national park, for which it has many advantages, being of great scenic beauty, accessible, and one of the richest in the Southwest in well-preserved prehistoric remains. It contains innumerable cavate houses, a vast number of small pueblo ruins, and the ruins of the great communal dwellings of Puye, Otowi, Tsankawi (Tsan-ke-we), Navakwi (Nav-a-kwe), and Paja- rito or Tchrega. Vandalism has greatly diminished among these ruins since the park has been under withdrawal. In the southern -part of this district, between the Eito de los Fri- joles and Cochiti, are the ruins of six pueblos, and a considerable number of cavate houses, the interesting Cueva Pintada (painted cave), and the famous shrines known as the "Stone Lions of Potrero de las Vacas and Potrero de los Idolos." 2. PECOS DISTRICT. The principal ruins of this district are those of the old pueblo of Pecos on the abandoned Pecos Pueblo grant. These are very impor- tant ruins, consisting of the two large communal houses and the remains of the old mission church, the first mission founded on the soil of the United States. These are the only ones of the numerous ruins in the upper Pecos valley that can be preserved. All others are well-nigh obliterated. 3. GRAN QUIVIRA DISTRICT. These interesting ruins lie on the plains east of the Manzano Moun- tains. The principal ones are those of Tabira (Gran Quivira), Abo, and Quarai. All are pueblo ruins of the historic epoch, and at each place are the ruins of interesting mission churches. The ruins of this district should be officially investigated. 4. JEMEZ DISTRICT. The ruins of 17 ancient pueblos are recorded as being located in the Jemez Valley, north of Jemez pueblo. Most of them have not been accurately located. Such of them as are still preserved and on public lands are within the limits of the proposed Jemez Forest Reserve, now temporarily withdrawn. The most important ruins in the district are those of the old pueblo of Giusewa. They lie 12 miles north of Jemez pueblo, and include the ruins of the stately old mission church of San Diego de Jemez, built early in the seventeenth century. An investi- gation of this district is needed. 5. ACOMA DISTRICT. A large number of valuable pueblo ruins are scattered over this dis- trict to the south and southwest of the pueblo of Acoma and southeast to the neighborhood of Magdalena. Many others of importance are to the north and west, especially in the Cebollita Valley, south of Grants. It is a region of great interest, the pueblo of Acoma itself being one of the most interesting objects in the Southwest, as it has the distinc- tion of being the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the United States, with the possible exception of Oraibi. Near by it is the famous Mesa Encantada. Unfortunately there has been but little investiga- tion of this district, so that we have no important accounts of its ruins. It is a district that is greatly in need of official examination. HISTORIC AND PEEHISTOEIC RUINS OF THE SOUTHWEST. 7 n. SAM lUAH BASIN. The ruins of the San Juan Basin consist of both large and small communal houses and true cliff dwellings in great numbers. They are scattered in numerous, irregular groups over the contiguous por- tions of New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. All the ruins of the San Juan and its tributaries have suffered much from destructive collectors. 1. AZTEC DISTRICT. The most important ruins on this district are the group of large communal dwellings near Aztec, N. Mex. They are on private lands and well cared for, their owner apparently appreciating their value. Numerous other pueblo ruins exist in the district, but it is doubtful if any are so situated as to permit of their protection by the Government. 2. MESA VERDE DISTRICT. In this district are the finest specimens of true cliff dwellings. They are very numerous in the canons of Mesa Verde and along the Mancos River. Cliff Palace is justly one of the most famous works of prehis- toric man in existence. Numerous pueblo and cliff ruins are distrib- uted along the McElmo, the Yellowjacket and the Hovenweep. On the whole, this is one of the most interesting of all prehistoric districts. A portion of it is under withdrawal by the General Land Office, pend- ing the creation of the Colorado Cliff Dwellings National Park. The intelligent interest of the people of Colorado nas done much toward the preservation of these ruins. However, the entire district has suf- fered much from vandalism, a majority of the burial mounds having been destroyed. A national park in this region would be of great educational value. 3. CHACO CASON district. This district embraces the great ruins of Pueblo Bonito, Pueblo Alto, Chettro Kettle, Hungo Pavie. Kin Kale, Una Vida, Wejigi, Kinbineola, Tuba Kin, Penasco Blanco, Kin Kle Zin, Tala Kin, Kin Ya Ah, Kin Ah Zin, Sin Kle Zin, Kin Kle Tsoi, Casa Chiquito, Casa Rinconado, and Casa Morena. Nowhere else is there such a splendid group of prehistoric buildings in a fair state of preservation. They have been made the subject of special investigation by the Hyde exploring expedition of New York, under Dr. George H. Pepper. A splendid collection from this district is installed in the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. In due time we shall doubtless have a full report of this excel- lent piece of work. This district has also been made the subject of a special investigation by Mr. S. J. Holsinger, whose comprehensive manuscript report, with accompanying photographs, in the office of the Commissioner of the General Land Office, affords much valuable information. 4. caSon de chelly district. The ruins of this district are mostly in Canon de Chelly and its trib- • utary Caiion del Muerto, although many others are scattered along the lower Chinlee valley. They are, for the most part, pueblo and cave ruins. They have been specially studied and reported on by Mr. Cosmos Mindeleff. A large collection of pottery from here has 8 HISTORIC AND PEEHISTOSIC RUINS OF THE SOUTHWEST. recently been acquired by the Brooklyn Institute of Science and Art. The preservation of these ruins has been made a matter of special care by the Secretary of the Interior. 5. BLUFF DISTRICT. Comparatively little is known of the numerous ruins in southeastern Utah. They have been explored and the district mapped by Dr. T. Mitchell Prudden, of New York City, but as yet no close investiga- tions have been undertaken. Euins are very numerous along Monte- zuma Creek, Recapture Creek, Cottonwood Creek, Butler Wash, Comb Wash and Grand Gulch. The caves of the Cottonwood and its trib- utaries have been investigated by the Hyde exploring expedition, and the collections therefrom placed in the American Museum of Natural History. These are important relics of ancient " basket makers." in. LITTLE COLORADO BASIN. This extensive region embraced in the valley of the Little Colorado and its tributaries is preeminently a region of pueblo ruins, though some cave dwellings are found. It is especially rich in prehistoric pottery. Because of its wealth of relics this region has suffered more than any other from the traffic in prehistoric wares. However, we are fortunate in that Dr. J. Walter Fewkes of the Bureau of American Ethnology has made the districts of the Little Colorado a subject of research for many years. His voluminous reports on this region have put us in possession of a vast amount of information on the archae- ology and ethnology of the Southwest. His collections from Sikyatki for the National Museum, made in 1895, with the assistance of Mr. F. W. Hodge of the Smithsonian Institution, together with the col- lections made from the Holbrook district by Doctors Fewkes and Hough, form, probably, the most valuable collection of prehistoric pottery in existence. Another extensive collection of pottery from this region may be seen in the Field Columbian Museum in Chicago. 1. TUSAYAN DISTRICT. The Hopi Plateau is a region of pueblo ruins. The buildings are not well preserved, and there are probabljr no ruins in the district that demand permanent preservation. It is, however, exceedingly impor- tant that they should be protected from further unauthorized excava- tion. There are many ruins on the northern part of this reservation that have not been explored. 2. FLAGSTAFF DISTRICT. The important group of ruins in Walnut Caiion are good tj'pes of cliff dwellings. These have received special attention from the Secre- tary of the Interior. The group of pueblo ruins which lie from 5 to 15 miles northwest of Black Falls have been examined and reported on by Doctor Fewkes. He pronounces them among the most important in the Southwest. They are entirely without protection. 3. HOLBROOK DISTRICT. This is a region of numerous pueblo ruins, some of which have been examined and reported on by Doctors Fewkes and Hough. The Museum-Gates expedition of 1901, Doctor Hough's report of which HISTOBIC AND PKEHISTORIC RUINS OF THE SOUTHWEST. 9 we now have, has advanced our knowledge of portions of this region very much. Doctor Hough has published particularly interesting information concerning the ruins in the petrined forest. The traffic in prehistoric wares from the Hoibrook district has been deplorably active. Many thousands of pieces of excavated pottery have been shipped from Hoibrook alone, and collections embracing several thousands of pieces are now in the hands of dealers at various towns in the district, and are offered for sale. These collections have been made, for the most part, by Indians and native Mexicans in the employ of traders, and are devoid of authentic records. The district is not rich in ruins that demand permanent protection, but it is in great need of temporary protection pending further serious investigation by competent parties. 4. ZDXI DISTRICT. This region'is rich in both historic and prehistoric ruins. On Zuni Reservation are the ruins of the historic Seven Cities of Cibola. El Morro, or Inscription Rock, is an interesting historic monument east of Zuni, which is under temporary withdrawal by the General Land Office. The region south of Zuni to Quemado is known to be full of ruins, and traders are securing large collections of pottery therefrom at the pres- ent time. The ruins of Zuni have been thoroughly made known to us through the work of the Hemenway expedition, under the direction of the late Frank Hamilton Cushing, assisted by Mr. F. W. Hodge. The collections of this expedition are now in the Peabody Museum at Har- vard University. Other important researches have been made in the Zuni district by Doctor Fewkes. IV. GILA BASIN. This is another region that embraces practically every species of prehistoric ruins. It is of vast extent and comprises, besides the valley of the Gila proper, the large valleys of the Salt and Verde rivers. As a seat of prehistoric culture it was one of the most extensive and {)opulous. Many ruins of these three great valleys are on irrigible ands, andj accordingly, have disappeared with the advancement of agriculture. 1. RIO VERDE DISTRICT. On the northern tributaries of the Rio Verde are many cliff ruins. Of these, "Honanki and Palatki are the most important. They are within the limits of the San Francisco Mountains Forest Reserve. There are numerous cliff ruins along Oak Creek and Beaver Creek and their tributaries. Near Camp Verde is the ruin known as " Mon- tezuma Castle," and a little farther up Beaver Creek, on the Black Mesa Forest Reserve, is the interesting Montezuma well. Mr. Min- deleff and Doctor Fewkes have made important studies and reports on the ruins of this district. 2. SAN CARLOS DISTRICT. Of the ruins on this district we have very little information beyond that obtained by Mr. A. F. Bandelier, to whose indefatigable explo- ration we owe so much of our knowledge of the Southwest. Both pueblo and cliff ruins are known to exist in various parts of the dis- trict, almost all of which are situated within the limits of the San 14670—05 2 10 HISTORIC AND PREHISTORIC RDIJSTS OF THE SOUTHWEST. "Carlos Apache Reservation. Ruins are reported from near San Car- los, from various points along the upper Salt River, on White Moun- tain Creek, the Carrizzo, the Cibicu, and the Pinal. 3. LOWER GILA DISTRICT. Many ruins of this district have disappeared during recent years because situated upon agricultural land. Our archaeological knowl- edge of the district is due, for the most part, to the Hemenway expe- dition under the late Mr. Gushing, to Mr. Mindeletf, and Doctor Fewkes. The famous Casa Grande ruin has, for several years, been under the care of the Government. The best collection from the dis- trict is that obtained by the Hemenway expedition. It is in the Pea- body Museum at Harvard University. 4. MIDDLE GILA DISTRICT. The ruins of this part of the Gila Valley are mostly on agricultural lairds, though many cliff ruins are known to exist in outlying districts. Pueblo ruins are very plentiful about Solomonville, but are not well . preserved. The largest is that of Pueblo Viejo. Ruins are also numerous about Clifton and along the Blue River. We have some reports on ruins of this district by Mr. Bandelier and Doctor Fewkes. There is need for further investigation and report as to the present condition of these ruins. 6. UPPER GILA DISTRICT. It is known that there are many ruins on the upper Gila and its tributaries near Fort Bayard, the Mimbres, and near Silver Citj^. They are almost entirely within the Gila Forest Reserve. These ruins should be oiEcially investigated and reported on, as we have very meager information concerning them. 6. SAN FRANCISCO RIVER DISTRICT. The upper San Francisco Valley and its tributaries, especiall}^ the Tularosa, is full of cliff and pueblo ruins. It is almost entirely within the Gila Forest Reserve. Much of it is almost unknown country. It is in great need of further exploration. While we know of its almost innumerable ruins, we have no reports on them. The most important archaeological work done here was thatof Doctor Hough, of the National Museum, who made an expedition into this district during the past summer. Doctor Hough's report will doubtless give us much inter- esting information concerning the archaeology of this little known district. LITERATURE. With the generous assistance of Dr. Walter Hough I have prepared a brief bibliography relative to the ruins in these various districts, which is hereto appended. No attempt has been made to make this complete. Many valuable works are omitted. The purpose of it is to direct anyone seeking information on this subject to some literature thereon. Reference to this bibliography will enable anyone to secure considerable information concerning ruins or groups of ruins that have been examined and reported on. HISTOKIO AND. rREHISTORIC RUINS OF THE SOUTHWEST. 11 RECOMMENDATIONS. In conclusion, I would respectfully submit the following recommen- dations: 1. That the authority of the Department of the Interior should be immediately exercised to protect all ruins on the public domain. 2. That the Interior Department should prohibit the excavation of prehistoric objects from public lands and Indian reservations by any person not duly furnished with a permit from the Secretary of the Interior. 3. That custodians or inspectors under the direction of the General Land OiSce are needed to protect the ruins in the following districts: (a) The Pajarito Park district, New Mexico. (6) The Ohaco Canon district, New Mexico. (c) The Mesa Verde district, Colorado. (d) The Bluff district, Utah. (e) The Holbrook district, Arizona. (/) The Zuni district. New Mexico. (g) The Eio Verde district, Arizona. (h) The Casa Grande district, Arizona, (i) The Acoma district. New Mexico. (j) The Middle Gila district, Arizona. (k) The Gran Quivira district, New Mexico. (l) The Jeniez district, New Mexico. With the first seven districts (a to g) there is urgent need for imme- diate action. The eighth (A) is already provided for. The next four are important in the order named. It would appear from general report and from the literature thereon that they are all of sufficient impor- tance to warrant jorotection by the Government. At any rate, they should be examined as early as possible by competent authority and reported upon with reference to the present condition, character, and extent of the ruins. 4. That the forestry department, if furnished with adequate forces, could protect the ruins in the following districts which lie within forest reserves, and that provision should be made for the same as early as possible: (a) The Flagstaff district, Arizona, including the important Black Falls group of ruins lying just above the northern boundary of the San Francisco Mountains Forest Reserve; also the ruins on the northern tributaries of the Rio Verde, lying within the same reserve, and also those on the Black Mesa Forest Reserve. The San Francisco River district. New Mexico. The Upper Gila district, New Mexico. 5. That the cooperation of the Department of Indian Affairs is needed for the protection of all ruins in the following districts: (a) The Pecos Pueblo district, New Mexico. (6) The Canyon de Chelly district, Arizona. (c) TheTusayan district, Arizona. (d) The San Carlos district, Arizona. (e) That part of the Zuni district, New Mexico, which lies within the Zuiii Indian Reservation. 6. That there is neither economy nor efficiency in the policy of employing a custodian for a single ruin. All the ruins of any district described herein can be efficiently protected by one or two custodians or inspectors of the grade of forest rangers, who should make it known by posted notices that the excavation of ruins without the permission of the Secretary of the Interior is forbidden, and who might also exam- !3 12 HISTORIC AND PKEHISTOEIO KUINS OF THE SOUTHWEST. ine and report from time to time upon ruins within their districts which are in need of special attention. 7. That the permanent withdrawal of tracts of land from the public domain for the purpose of protecting ruins thereon would seem to be unnecessary, except where the ruins are of such character and extent as to warrant the creation of permanent national parks. In ternporary withdrawal for this purpose, the smallest number of acres that will accomplish the desired end is advisable. In many cases 10 acres are sufficient. 8. That there is need for general legislation authorizing the crea- tion of national parks and national monuments and j)roviding for the excavation of prehistoric ruins in the interests of science only. If a single cliff dwelling, pueblo ruin, shrine, etc., could be declared a "national monument," and its protection provided for, it would cover many important cases and obviate the objections made to large reser- vations. 1 respectfully submit the above as a comprehensive plan for the preservation of all historic and prehistoric ruins upon the public domain and upon Indian reservations, and invite your consideration of the same. As a working plan I have no doubt it is open to much criti- cism, but I believe it might be made the basis for an economical and efficient method of performing this public service. ADDENDA. Since the publication of the foregoing I have had the opportunity to inform myself fully as to the care which the Interior Department has exercised, and is prepared to exercise when properly informed, over the ruins in the Southwest. Much more has been accomplished than is known to the general public. It will be helpful to all who have the subject under consideration to know that a vigorous policy has been developed and is in operation, which accomplishes the main object to be desired. Archaeologists just in from the field testify that comparatively little destruction of ruins is now going on. This fact must have an important bearing upon proposed legislation. It seems important that information should be disseminated relative to the protective measures now employed. This can best be done by quoting from correspondence on the subject. I give, first, excerpts from a letter from the Hon. W. A. Richards, Commissioner of the General Land Office, under date of October 5, 1904. Prof. Edgah L. Hewett, Washinglon, D. C. Sir: I beg to ackowledge the receipt of your letter of September 3, 1904, trans- mitting a memorandum relative to the historic and prehistoric ruins in Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah, and, also, of your letter, under date of September 14, 1904, in relation to proposed legislation for the protection of such ruins. ******* This office fully appreciates the necessity for protecting these ruins and the impor- tance of furthering in every way possible, researches in connection therewith which are undertaken for the benefit of recognized scientific and educational institutions, with a view to increasing the knowledge of such objects and aiding in the general advancement of archaeological science; and it desires to aid all such efforts to the full extent of its power, while, at the same time, endeavoring to effectually protect the ruins and relics on the public lands from ruthless spoliation by parties plying a trade in such matters. HISTORIC AND PEEHISTORIC RUINS OF THE SOUTHWEST. 13 The need for adequate legislation on this subject has accordingly been called to the attention of Congress by this Department for a number of years, but as yet with- out avail. In the meantime every effort has been made to extend such protection to the vari- ous regions known to contain objects of interest as is possible without the requested legislation. Certain of the tracts have been protected from appropriation by being temporarily withdrawn from disposal under the public land laws. This action has been taken in the following cases: In New Mexico: The Pajarito cliff dwellers' region, the Jemez cliff dwellers' [Pueblo] region, the tract known as El Morro, or Inscription Rock. In Colorado: The Mesa Verde cliff dwellers' region. In Arizona: The tract containing the petrified forest; the greater portion of that part of the district designated by you as the Rio Verde district which lies outside of the Black Mesa Forest Reserve. This withdrawn area contains, among other ruins, the one known as Montezuma Castle. ******* As regards the regions which you mention as containing ruins of known impor- tance, which fall within the boundaries of tracts that have been permamently set apart as forest reserves, or just outside of the boundaries thereof, you are advised that they are, in consequence, under the care of the forest force patrolling the reserves, and that instructions have, at different times, been issued to the forest offi- cers in respect to having a general care of these ruins. Further and more specific instructions will now be given in regard to their care, based upon the information furnished by you. The several regions thus under the supervision of the forest reserve force fall within the districts designated by you as follows: In the Gila River Forest Reserve, New Mexico: The greater portions of both the Upper Gila district and the San Francisco River district. In the Black Mesa Forest Reserve, Arizona: A portion of both the San Carlos dis- trict and the Rio Verde district; which latter contains what is known as Montezuma Well. In the San Francisco Mountains Forest Reserve, Arizona: A portion of the Flag- staff district. ******* As yet, owing to the lack of sufficient available funds, it has not been practicable to place custodians in charge of the numerous and widely scattered ruins throughout the Southwest, except in the case of three localities in Arizona. These cases are: The Casa Grande ruin; the "Walnut Canon ruins, lying partly within the San Fran- cisco Mountains Forest Reserve; the ruins of Canon del Muerto, within the Navajo Indian Reservation. It is evident that immediate and effective measures should be taken by the Gov- ernment to protect regions containing objects of such great value to the ethnological history of this country and to other scientific studies; * * * I am also heartily in accord with your recommendation that, while many of the tracts containing ruins and other objects of interest need only to be temporarily withdrawn and protected until the ruins and objects thereon have been satisfactorily examined and utilized, yet, certain of the most important of these regions should be preserved permanently as national parks, and that a gejieral law be enacted, author- izing the establishment of such parks and making provision for their proper protec- tion and management. ******* W. A. Richards, Commissioner. The following orders were sent out by the Commissioner of the Gen- eral Land Office a few days subsequent to the above correspondence: Department op the Interior, General Land Office, Washington, D. C. , October IS, 1904. Mr. F. S. Brben, Forest Supervisor, Flagstaff, Ariz. Sir: Your special attention is called to the historic and prehistoric ruins located in the San Francisco Mountains and Black Mesa Forest Reserves. As the ruins are almost entirely within said reserves, you are directed to exercise special care in their preservation. For your information in this matter I will state that there appears to be no special statute forbidding scientific research on the public lands, or requiring that permission shall be obtained before undertaking the same or removing objects 14 HISTOEIC AND PREHISTOEIC RUIM8 OF THE SOUTHWEST. of value from the public domain. At the same- time, however, independent of posi- tive legislative provision in the matter, the United States has all the civil remeaies, virhether for the prevention or redress of injuries, which individuals possess. ■^'^^^ since all unauthorized excavations upon public lands, which tend to the injury oi same or of ruins or relics thereon, or the removal of objects of value or ot sciennnc or historic interest, are in the nature of trespass upon the lands, all sucii mcrusion upon public lands renders the parties to the trespasses liable to prosecution. It is, therefore, deemed advisable that all persons wishing to explore ana maKe excavations of the ruins referred to, should secure permission from the JJepart- ment. This office appreciates the importance of aiding in every way POSSiDieau examinations and gatherings of objects of interest upon the pubhc domain wnicn are undertaken for the benefit of recognized scientific and educational institutions, while at the same time endeavoring to effectually protect the rums and dwellings on the public lands from ruthless spoliation by parties plying a trade in such matters. You are hereby directed to use your best efforts to carry out the wishes ot the Department in this matter, and so instruct your subordinates. Very respectfully, . . W. A. BrcHABDS, Cummusioner. Department of the Interior, General Land Office, Washington, D. C, October 19, 1904- Mr. Frank Geyqla, Special Agent, General Land Office, Santa Fe, N. Mex. Sir: Your special attention is called to the subject of the unauthorized explorations and excavations of the historic and prehistoric ruins located upon the public lands for purposes of traffic in the curios, relics, and objects of scientific and historic interest taken therefrom. In order to prevent the further improvident spoliation and destruction of these ruins and to restrict the explorations and excavations thereof to those made for the benefit of recognized scientific and educational institutions and objects, it is deemed advisable that all persons desiring to engage in such explorations shall secure per- mission therefor from the Department before commencing their operations. You will take prompt and appropriate measures to insure observance of the Depart- ment's wishes with respect to such of said ruins as may be upon public lands, including those temporarily withdrawn with a view to the creation of forest reserves, or for other purposes, in your Territory, and you will render- all practicable assistance to the forest reserve and Indian officers in their efforts to protect the ruins upon the lands under their supervision from unauthorized explorations and excavations. If in any instance adequate protection to the public interests in connection with these ruins can not be obtained without recourse to legal proceedings, you will at once report the facts and the means of proving them to this Office for consideration with a view to the institution of such proceedings. Very respectfully, W. A. Richards, Commissioner. Identical orders were sent to all forest supervisors and special ajjents of the General Land Office in the Southwest. These orders cover not less than three-fourths of all the ruins of New Mexico, Arizona, Colo- rado, and Utah. On or near all the important ruins that are situated on lands con- trolled by the General Land Office which have been withdrawn either permanently or temporarily the following notice, printed in conspicu- ous type on large sheets of tough white cloth, is kept posted by range riders and other officers: WARNI^X^. Department op the Interior, General Land Office, Washington, D. C, May S4, 1904. Notice is hereby given that these lands have been withdrawn, for public purposes, from settlement, entry, and other disposal. All persons are prohibited, under the penalty of the law in such cases provided, from committing thereon any trespass whatever, and from working in any manner HISTORIC AND PREHISTORIC RUITSTS OF THE SOUTHWEST. 15 whatever any injury, waste, or damage of any kind to tlieae public lands and to the- timber, natural curiosities, caves, ruins, objects of antiquity, or any other public property thereon, and from removing or in any way disturbing the same. W. A. ElCHABDS, Commissioner of the General Land Office.. Approved: E. A. Hitchcock, Secretary of the Interior. The following excerpts from a letter from Hon. A. C. Tonner, Act- ing Commissioner of Indian Affairs, set forth the policy of that department on the same subject: Department op the Interior, Office of Indian Affairs, Washington, D. C, October ^S, 1904- Edgar L. Hewbtt, Esq., Washington, D. C. Sir: This Office is in receipt of your communication of the 17th instant. ******* In reply you are advised that this Office has been and is fully alive to the impor- tance of preserving the various ruins and remains of antiquity scattered throughout the Southwest, and has heretofore issued stringent orders to many of the Indian offi- cials in charge of the reservations to which you refer — especially to those in charge of the Navajo, Moqui, and Hualapi reservations. Quite recently this Office, in order to prevent the spoliation of the prehistoric ruins in the canyons of De Chelly and Del Muerto, recommended to the Secretary of the Interior that a custodian be appointed to have charge of the ruins in the said canyons, and authority was granted by the Secretary therefor, and the custodian is now on duty. In view of your present request the officials in charge of the various Indian reser- vations to which you refer have, in letters of this day, been advised relative to pre- venting further injury to ruins and suppressing the traffic in prehistoric pottery which may be found on the reservations under their care. Their attention has been invited to the previous instructions of the Office relative to this matter, and they have been requested to use their best endeavors to keep out intruders and relic hunters and to see that such of the remains of antiquity as may be located within the reserves under .their respective charges are kept intact until such time as proper scientific investigation of the same may be had. Very respectfully, A. C. Tonner, Acting Commissioner. W. M. W.— L. M. Following is a copy of orders sent out from the Office of Indian Affairs October 22: Department of the Interior, Office of Indian Affairs, Washington, D. C, October SS, 1904. James B. Alexander, Esq., Superintendent Pima Indian School, Sacaton, Ariz. Sir: * * * » * * * It has been and is the policy of this Office to prevent all unauthorized persons from entering Indian reservations and despoiling historic or prehistoric ruins and taking therefrom any relics or remains of antiquity whatever. To this end your predecessors in office, or perhaps you, have heretofore been advised of the wishes of this Office in this respect and requested to take such action as might be necessary to the end that proper protection should be afforded in the premises and all spolia- tion of these valuable ruins be prevented. ******* It is desired that you take this matter up and issue such orders or instructions and' take such action as may be necessary to carry out the wishes of this office as hereto- fore expressed. Should you have Indian police under your charge, they should be properly cautioned and instructed. Further, reliable and trustworthy chiefs and headmen of the tribe might likewise be advised of the desire of this office to protect these remains of antiquity from being despoiled by curio hunters, etc., and directed to aid you so far as possible in the matter. 16 HISTORIC AND PREHISTORIC RUITSTS OF THE SOUTHWEST. Should unauthorized persons bo found on the reservation or reservations under your charge and engaged in the work of excavating or collecting rehcs, etc., they should be removed from the reservation and the facta in the case be reported to this office in full. Very respectfully, , . „ A. 0. ToNNER, Acting Commissioner. W.M.W.-L.M. Identical orders were sent at the same time to superintendents of Indian schools, agents, and additional farmers throughout New Mex- ico, Arizona, and Colorado. These orders cover about one-fourth of all the Southwestern ruins. It will be seen that these various sets of ■orders from the two departments embrace practically all of the ruins that are not under private ownership. In reply to a letter addressed to Mr. W. H. Holmes, chief of the . Bureau of American Ethnologj^, inquiring what steps were bein^ taken by that Bureau with a view to putting the Interior Department in pos- session of information that would be helpful in carrj^ing out the policy of the Department relative to the Southwestern ruins, I received the following communication: Smithsonian Institution, Bureau op American Ethnology, Washington, B. C. , November 19; 1904- My Dear Mr. Hewett: I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 16th instant, making inquiries regarding the steps now being taken by the Bureau of American Ethnology in furnishing information to the Interior Department relative to the location, character, and condition of the various historic and prehistoric ruins ■of the Southwest. In reply I have to say that much progress has been made in the preparation of maps and descriptive lists of the various archeological sites of the Pueblo region. "The Bureau has been conducting explorations among these sites at frequent intervals «ver since its foundation, and has published numerous reports and maps embodying the results of its researches. The preparation of a general archeological map has been in hand for several years, and the data amassed is laid down on the Geological Survey maps, upward of fifty of the topographical sheets covering parts of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona having been utilized in this manner. Accompanying the maps is a card catalogue of the sites, giving more or less com- plete data relative to the ruins and other remains. Recently a demand for this