Acoma Pueblo

Acoma Pueblo
Scott Catron · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
Name	Acoma Pueblo
Settlement type	Pueblo

Acoma Pueblo is a Native American community located in Cibola County, New Mexico, near the Rio San Jose and Enchanted Mesa. The pueblo is situated approximately 60 miles west of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States, with a history dating back to the 12th century. Acoma Pueblo is often referred to as the "Sky City" due to its location atop a mesa, and is home to the Acoma people, a Keresan-speaking tribe. The pueblo is also near the El Malpais National Monument and the Cibola National Forest.

Geography and Climate

Acoma Pueblo is situated in a unique geological location, with the Enchanted Mesa and the Acoma Mesa providing a natural defense for the community. The pueblo is located near the Continental Divide, and the Rio San Jose flows through the valley below. The climate in the area is semi-arid, with low humidity and moderate temperatures, and is influenced by the North American Monsoon and the Great Plains. The nearby Zuni Mountains and the Mount Taylor provide a dramatic backdrop to the pueblo, and the Petrified Forest National Park is located to the west. The Gallup, New Mexico area is also nearby, and the Navajo Nation and the Zuni Pueblo are neighboring communities.

History

The history of Acoma Pueblo dates back to the 12th century, when the Acoma people first settled in the area. The pueblo was an important stop on the Camino Real, a Spanish trade route that connected Santa Fe, New Mexico to Mexico City. In 1540, the pueblo was visited by Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, a Spanish conquistador, and later by Juan de Oñate, the founder of Santa Fe, New Mexico. The pueblo was also influenced by the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, which was led by Popé, a Tewa leader from Ohkay Owingeh. The Spanish Empire and the Mexican War of Independence also had an impact on the pueblo, and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo established the United States-Mexico border near the pueblo. The Dawes Act and the Indian Reorganization Act also affected the pueblo, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service provide services to the community.

Culture

The culture of Acoma Pueblo is rich and diverse, with a strong emphasis on Keresan language and tradition. The pueblo is known for its pottery, which is made from local clay and minerals, and is often decorated with intricate geometric patterns. The Acoma people are also skilled weavers and basket makers, and their work is highly prized by collectors and museums such as the Smithsonian Institution and the Indian Arts and Culture Center. The pueblo celebrates several important festivals throughout the year, including the Feast of San Esteban and the Acoma Pueblo Festival, which feature traditional music, dance, and food. The National Museum of the American Indian and the Heard Museum also showcase the art and culture of the Acoma people.

Government and Economy

Acoma Pueblo is a federally recognized tribe and is governed by a tribal council, which is responsible for managing the pueblo's land and resources. The pueblo has a diverse economy, with a mix of agriculture, ranching, and tourism. The Acoma Pueblo Tribal Council and the Bureau of Indian Affairs work together to manage the pueblo's trust land and natural resources, and the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act has allowed the pueblo to develop a casino and other gaming operations. The New Mexico State Government and the United States Congress also provide funding and support for the pueblo's education and healthcare programs.

Infrastructure and Tourism

Acoma Pueblo has a well-developed infrastructure, with modern roads, utilities, and communications. The pueblo is accessible by New Mexico State Road 23 and Interstate 40, and the Albuquerque International Sunport is the nearest airport. The pueblo offers a range of tourist attractions, including the Acoma Pueblo Visitor Center, the Sky City Cultural Center, and the Haak'u Museum. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the pueblo, which includes the San Esteban del Rey Mission Church and the Acoma Pueblo Plaza. The New Mexico Tourism Department and the American Indian Tourism Association promote tourism in the area, and the National Park Service manages the nearby El Malpais National Monument and the Petrified Forest National Park. The Acoma Pueblo is also near the Chaco Culture National Historical Park and the Canyon de Chelly National Monument. Category:Native American tribes