Greetings from Bandelier National Monument

I am a college student at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg Missouri and I am working towards a degree in Cultural Studies. During my second year of school my mom and stepdad went to Bandelier National Monument on spring break and I learned a lot about the earth which helped me in my Geology class which I had some trouble in. I also saw the houses from the different Native American cultures such as circular villages, adobe houses, and Anasazi cliff dwellings. I have always been fascinated by the different Native American cultures as I believe it helps fight racism and next year I will be taking a class called the North American Indian.

Sincerely,
Ben Edwards

Bandelier National Monument

On the slopes of the Jemez Mountains in New Mexico, this monument commemorates the rich cultural history of the American Southwest. Humans have inhabited the canyons and mesas of the Bandelier area for more than 10,000 years. The Ancestral Puebloan people inhabited the region for more than 400 years, and their homes, carved from the rock walls of the Frijoles Canyon, are the primary attraction of the monument. The Bandelier Museum exhibits Ancestral Puebloan artifacts and tells the story of the evolution of the culture. The park also offers 70 miles of rugged trails for hikers of different abilities.

State(s): New Mexico

Established: 1916

“I believe national parks are important because they help preserve and teach us about our natural and cultural heritage and create fun activities for kids and adults such as hiking, bird watching, wildlife watching, biking, canoeing, kayaking, and rafting. They allow people fun opportunities for physical activity and create tourist revenue. I am also an artist and writer and I find nature to be a great source of inspiration”

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