Three Rivers Petroglyph Site (Part 3)

Village Trail runs through a partially excavated Jornada Mogollon village. It was established here about 1,000 years ago, reached its greatest size and influence by 1300, and was entirely abandoned by 1450. This reconstructed pit house demonstrates the kind of dwelling occupied by the earliest villagers. The great mass of the structure helped keep it warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

More complex structures of this sort were built later than the pit houses. The floor was cut into gypsum, the roof was built of logs, branches, and mud, and the small entrance helped retain heat while strengthening the overall structure.

These pottery shards were found nearby in 1976.