If you are a native Coloradan, you have probably visited the extraordinary Mesa Verde a time or two but do you know the real story behind this ancient Centennial State town? While we could talk all day about this incredible community, we will try to quickly sum it up, as you will want to know the basics of this ancient Colorado town that is loaded with a fascinating history:

Nestled away in the southwest corner of the state, Mesa Verde National Park is a downright unique Colorado attraction, as it houses a more than 800-year-old village and some of the most well-preserved ruins in the region.
Flickr/Jerry and Pat Donaho
Originally built by Ancestral Puebloans between 1190 CE and 1260 CE, Mesa Verde spans some 52,485 acres and a whopping 4,300 sites, all of which range in elevation from 6,000 to 8,572 feet.
Flickr/Scrubhiker (USCdyer)
Why were these dwellings and this ancient Colorado town built at such a high elevation? It was to protect the Ancestral Puebloans and their homes from other invading tribes, as well as inclement weather and dangerous wildlife.
Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons

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Due to a lack of food and resources, Mesa Verde was abandoned around 1300 and was not re-discovered until 1888, when a local rancher stumbled upon the dwellings while searching for stray cattle. 
Unknown author/Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons
In an effort to protect this incredible piece of history, Mesa Verde was designated a National Park in 1906 and a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage Site in 1978, and is visited by approximately 550,000+ people each year. 
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Mesa Verde National Park is open every day year-round.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
To learn more about the incredible ancient town that is Mesa Verde, please visit the National Park Service's website.
Flickr/Doug Kerr

Do you have a favorite place that you would like to see featured on Only in Colorado? Nominate it here! For even more of our favorite historic ruins, check out These 9 Unbelievable Ruins In Colorado Will Transport You To The Past.

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Mesa Verde National Park, Mesa Verde, CO, USA