Mesa Verde NP, Colorado

15. Cliff Dwellings

From Douglas' record of tree-ring chronology, it was known that a great drought commenced in 1276 and extended for a 23-year period to 1299. With no flowing water available, the effect of a 23-year period of drought on the inhabitants of the Mesa Verde plateau can be readily imagined. Undoubtedly the great series of prehistoric dams found within the park area indicated the desperate efforts made to meet the abnormal conditions prevailing at that time. It was logically presumed that the prehistoric population was gradually forced to withdraw from the area, as the period of drought continued, and establish themselves near more favorable sources of water supply.