not return for twelve years. Most probably this is when the Kuaua Pueblo was abandoned.
One good aspect did emerge from the Pueblo Revolts. The Spanish policy of forced labor or poorly paid labor was changed. No longer were the Native subjected to this form of almost slave labor. This had a great effect on the treatment of the Natives in the San Antonio, Texas Missions and other missions, which were formed.
Today Coronado State Park preserves and celebrates these events. The kiva is under reconstruction. Walkways with kiosks describe the life of the pueblo and of the people. Many of the foundations are visible. The staff is very friendly and informative.
Travel east on Rte 550 and it changes into Rte 165. Drive through Placitas and up Mount Sandia. The road changes from nicely paved to gravel. It is closed in the winter because of snow and flooding water. Unfortunately, signs said the road was closed. Why go there? Up in to mountains is perhaps the oldest dated cave settlement in North America. More than 27,000 years ago man hunted the Wooly Mammoth in the Sandia Mountains. There are no human remains, but the artifacts found in the cave have been carbon dated. A small parking lot is at the ten-minute walk trailhead. This leads to Sandia Man Cave. Bring a flashlight. There are also some tight squeezes in the cave itself.
Visit the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science for a great experience. The emphasis is on the evolution of the earth and life on the planet. Great exhibits on the development of dinosaurs. Some of the movies are breath taking. The animation is top rate. Experience “A Bad Day in the Cretaceous”, a video animation of a 10 K