Archeological Survey and Architectural Study of Montezuma Castle National Monument

Inventory survey of Montezuma Castle National Monument was conducted from April 11 to May 7, 1988. Of the 70 sites recorded, 30 were new additions to the site inventory. Cliff dwellings, rockshelters and pueblos were recorded along with one and two-room masonry structures, roasting pits and artifact scatters. Agricultural feature sites include the canals at Montezuma Well. A site with prehistoric cobble concentrations, a burial ground, a bedrock mortar site, a lithic scatter, a historical site and three sites with enigmatic rock features complete the inventory. The development of architecture at the Monument is seen in the early pithouses (Squaw Peak and Camp Verde phases) excavated by Breternitz (1960), followed in time by surface structures, rockshelters with masonry rooms and finally the Honanki-Tuzigoot phase cliff dwellings.

In addition to the survey, the project included a detailed and systematic re-recording of Montezuma Castle's 20 rooms. The results of this work, Part II of the report, are a roorn-by-roorn description, chronological summary of previous research and stabilization, a record of historic graffiti, and interpretation of construction sequence and room function. No structural deterioration was recorded, but continued periodic inspection by a trained specialist is recommended