MESA VERDE PART 2 - THE 1888 DISCOVERY

December 18, 1888 was a memorable day in the history of the MESA VERDE. On this day Richard Wetherill reached the ledge of a large cave, peered into the gloom and was able to focus on an array of stone buildings inside the cave. Just imagine viewing a settlement containing a range of buildings! Some were square. Some were round. Some were multi-storied. Most were in reasonable condition. Who built them? Why did they build them in the caves? When were they built? When and why were they abandoned? The discovery posed questions and there was a rush of those wishing to observe, analyse and find answers. As some answers were provided more and more questions arose. The1888 discovery can stand alone but it would seem rather incomplete to stop the discovery trail there when so much more was "uncovered" (literally) to broaden understanding about the people who occupied the caves of MESA VERDE.