The Front Page

From the Front Page of the Mancos Times-Tribune, Dec. 15, 1905

Trying to Save the Cliff Dwellings

A resolution favoring the establishment of a national park in the cliff dwellers’ district of Southern Colorado has been passed by the directors of the chamber of commerce. The proposed park would take in 42,000 acres of land.

The directors heard reports from the committee which has been conferring with the library commission and from that appointed to work for the enlargement of Fort Logan.

The following resolutions were unanimously adopted by the Denver Teachers’ club at a regular meeting held in the auditorium of the East Side High School:

Whereas, In the southwestern portion of the state of Colorado there exists a group of cliff dwellings unique in structure, notable in number and pre-eminently valuable to the historian ethnologist and humanitarian; and,

Whereas, There is imminent danger that the famous ruins, which have attracted the attention of scholars from all over the world, through neglect or spoiliation may soon become greatly reduced in value, or even worthless to the state and the nation, therefore be it

Resolved, That we, the members of the Denver Teachers club, a body of over 700 educators, and comprising almost the entire teaching force of this city, heartily endorse the bill recently prepared by the Hon. H.M. Hogg, a representative from this state, recommending that a certain tract of land, comprising the greater part of the ruins already referred to and known as the Colorado Cliff Dwellings National park be set aside and protected by the government in the interest of science and philanthropy, and that the name of said park be changed to the Mesa Verde National park, as recommended by the honorable commissioner of the general land office and unanimously adopted by the committee on public lands in the house of representatives.

H.B. Smith, president

Edith Weber, recording secretary