Kansas has a few spots with archaeological treasure to discover, but Lake Scott State Park is one for the books. These pueblo ruins are worth exploring, especially if you have interest in the native peoples of the area. Come check out what there is to see!
Welcome to Lake Scott State Park, a spot where history and natural beauty come together all in one place.
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There are many paths you can take at Lake Scott, but one area will lead you to the ruins of the only known pueblo in Kansas.
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El Quartelejo (or El Cuartelejo) is the name given to these remains, the farthest north pueblo we have found.
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In 1898, El Quartelejo was rediscovered and excavated to reveal seven rooms in the structure. It was designated as a national historic landmark in 1964, later being marked “at risk” due to weather erosion.
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Though we cannot know for sure, the main theory as to why this was constructed so far north, is that the fleeing Pueblo Indians were escaping Spanish rule and teamed with the Apache before being seized.
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The commander responsible wrote that these natives were living in permanent structures. They were also inhabited temporarily by Spanish and French soldiers as an outpost, but the building did not last long after they left in the 18th century.
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What happened here was terrible, but we’re glad to have the structure standing, and hope to keep it preserved enough for many years going forward. Come visit the state park, enjoy the view, and take in a bit of history for about these ruins.
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If you’d like to learn more about the El Quartelejo ruins, visit the official Facebook Page of the El Quartelejo Museum.
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Friends of Lake Scott State Park Facebook
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Address: Lake Scott State Park, 101 W Scott Lake Dr, Scott City, KS 67871, USA
