New Mexico pueblo is oldest continuously inhabited community in North America and newest member of the National Historic Trust.
Acoma Sky City is 60 miles west of Albuquerque, atop a sheer-walled, 370-foot sandstone mesa, dominating the surrounding desert. The view includes mountains in the distance. The pueblo dates back to 1150 AD, and is the oldest continuing inhabited community in North America.
Today, about 15 families live atop the mesa, and other tribal members are part-time residents. The pueblo is a vibrant community characterized well worth a visit for by its adobe houses, plazas, walkways and the San Esteban del Rey Mission Church, completed around 1640. Also for the famous Acoma pottery -- delicate bowls and vases painted with intricate geometric patterns.
The Acoma people have long welcomed visitors to their community, which was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and a Save America's Treasures site in 1999. With an eye towards further protecting the pueblo for the future, tribal elders have voted to make Acoma Sky City the 28th National Trust Historic Site,
The National Trust for Historic Preservation provides expertise in preservation, conservation and interpretation, plus national standards, best practices, legal advocacy and funding.
There are hour-long tours of Acoma Sky City throughout the year, guided by Acoma residents. It is a fascinating daytrip from Albuquerque, well worth visiting. And it will be hard to resist buying a piece of Acoma pottery to bring home. Mine decorates a bookshelf and each time I see it I am reminded of the proud and gentle Acoma people and their amazing history and culture.
