Visiting

slide: See it yourself

occupied ca 11,000 BCE – 1450 CE

The flint of this area was prized by hunters and tool users from the Ice Age through the historical era, and was widely traded throughout the region. Alibates flint projectile points and tools have been found in many of the sites in the Permian Basin, as well as in the Salinas District, the Tularosa Basin and the Rio Grande Valley.

Visit Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument (NPS)

occupied ca 800 CE –1673 CE

This Tompiro pueblo flourished at this central location between the mountains, plains, and river basins. Rock art and trade goods show a strong connection with the nearby peoples of the Tularosa Basin and Sacramento Mountains. Visitors today can explore the stunning red sandstone ruins of the pueblo and the more recent mission.

Visit Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument (NPS)

occupied ca 8000 BCE- historical era

The availability of water storage and shelter in this area has drawn people for millennia, with abundant evidence of use from Archaic times through the Jornada Mogollon and the arrival of Plains and Athabascan people, with historical use through the homestead era. Kiowa, Mescalero, Tigua and Comanche still consider this site culturally meaningful and continue to return for ceremonies.

Visit Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site (TPWD)