Montezuma Castle, Off I-17, Camp Verde, Yavapai County, AZ

2005 Charles E. Peterson Prize, Second Place
Significance: Montezuma Castle is a cliff dwelling constructed by the Sinaguan people of Arizona's Verde Valley in the late 12th century. The Sinaguan culture thrived in agriculture and trade until they abandoned the Verde Valley in the 15th century. Montezuma Castle is a 5 story stone structure with 20 rooms perched some 50 feet above the valley floor. The walls are constructed of limestone and mud mortar with earthern roof and floors. Some of the architectural features include viga and latilla ceilings, interior plaster walls, storage holes, fireplaces, and roof hatchways...
Unprocessed Field note material exists for this structure: N1080
Survey number: HABS AZ-151
Building/structure dates: ca. 1125 Initial Construction
National Register of Historic Places NRIS Number: 66000082