As you browse through this Web site, you will find many interesting stories and fascinating people. The Wetherill family were responsible for some of the most important archeological discoveries in the Southwest. Another branch of the family were major contributors to the industrial revolution in America in the 19th century.
Mesa Verde National Park near Mancos, Colorado has some of the
largest
and best preserved Ancestral Puebloan ruins
in the United States.
One of these, Cliff Palace was discovered by Richard Wetherill
his brother-in-law Charlie Mason and Acowitz, a Ute Tribal
member in
December of 1888. The group had entered the valley system between
Weber Mountain and what is now Mesa Verde National Park, following the North
side of the Mancos River searching for missing cattle. West of Sandal
House they found a gentle sloping area that gave them access to the top of
the Mesa Verde from the river valley floor. The area was a
dense Piñon Pine and
Juniper forest which made searching for cattle difficult.
When they reached the edge of a cliff and exited the forest they
viewed a huge ruin that Richard later called Cliff Palace. After
entering the ruin that day Richard rode to another large ruin he called
Spruce Tree House. This episode was to begin a life long endeavor for
Richard and his family. Because of the families future activities it
resulted in the formation of three National Parks, two National Monuments
and the discovery of a new
culture and collections of artifacts which were distributed to museums of
world wide fame.

Tsaya Trading Post

Harvey Leake, the great grandson of John Wetherill has
published a new book with Carolyn O’Bagy Davis called Kayenta and
Monument Valley.

There are two versions of The Wetherills: Friends of Mesa Verde published, a paperback edition and a hardback edition. The hardback book has more photos and an amended text. The hardback is considered a collectors book as no other printing will be made. These books are in very limited quantities. Click here to be taken to the Authors website to purchase an autographed copy. During the payment process through PayPal you will be given an option to add personalized autograph wording.
Jim Black Betatakin Guide. Navajo National Monument.
The Pictograph. behind Jim was John Wetherill's favorite