Archeological investigations in New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah

In the summer of 1916 the author embarked on a five‑month survey of the American Southwest, wandering from the cliffs of Mesa Verde to the remote ruins of New Mexico and Utah. The narrative captures the spirit of early field archaeology, describing how brief but intensive scouting trips uncovered previously undocumented pueblos and offered fresh clues about ancient migration routes.

A central focus is the investigation of the “Fire House” ruin, linked to Hopi legends of a wandering clan. Detailed observations of its massive masonry, circular layout, and surviving walls reveal the architectural ingenuity of its builders. Alongside the stone structures, the study highlights distinctive pottery styles that serve as cultural fingerprints, helping to piece together the lives of peoples whose histories survive only in stone and ceramic shards.

Through vivid descriptions and careful measurements, the work provides a window into the challenges of early twentieth‑century exploration, inviting listeners to imagine the rugged landscapes and the silent testimonies of the ancient Southwest.