New Mexico

Pueblos, Tribes, Nations: Acoma, Cochiti, Isleta, Jémez, Jicarilla Apache Nation, Laguna, Mescalero Apache Reservation, Nambé, Navajo Nation, Ohkay Owingeh, Picuris, Pojoaque, Sandia, San Felipe, San Ildefonso, Santa Ana, Santa Clara, Santo Domingo, Taos, Tesuque, Zia, Zuni

Acoma Pueblo (Sky City)

The Pueblo, believed to have been established in the 12th century or even earlier, was chosen in part because of its defensive position against raiders. It is regarded as the oldest continuously inhabited community in the United States. Access to the pueblo is difficult as the faces of the mesa are sheer. Before modern times access was gained only by means of a hand-cut staircase carved into the sandstone.

There are several interpretations of origin of the name "Acoma". Some believe that the name Acoma comes from the Keresan words for the People of the White Rock, with aa'ku meaning white rock, and meh meaning people. Others believe that the word aa'ku actually comes from the word haaku meaning to prepare; a description that would accurately reflect the defensive position of the mesa's inhabitants.

Today, fewer than 50 tribal members live year-round in the earthen homes of Sky City. Those living in the community tend the massive San Estévan del Rey Mission, completed in 1640. Both the mission and pueblo have been designated as a Registered National Historical Landmarks.  Nearly 3,000 additional tribal members live in the nearby villages of Acomita, McCarty’s and Anzac.

Native Acoma guides conduct tours of Sky City. The beautiful Sky City Cultural Center and Haak’u Museum offer more insight on Acoma's living history and culture. Potters still craft the Pueblo’s distinctive and highly sought-after thin-walled pottery, which is available throughout the pueblo. The Yaak’a (corn) Restaurant serves native Acoman and New Mexican fare. Please call (800) 747-0181 to confirm hours and days or to make group reservations.

Make your visit to Acoma Pueblo a weekend getaway. Play at Sky City Casino, refuel and revive yourself at Huwak’a Restaurant or the Sky City Travel Center. Make your getaway complete with a stay at the Sky City Casino Hotel (888) 759-2489.

RV Park Acoma Business Enterprises newest business opened May 1, 2007. The new state of the art RV Park is located on Interstate 40, exit 102, along side of historic Route 66. RVers are able to drive though and experience true American and native history, as Cibola County is where you will find the Acoma pueblo and the longest uninterrupted stretch of Route 66 in New Mexico.

The RV Park caters to the class ‘A’ RV’s; all of the 42 oversized spaces are designed for convenience for large motor homes towing other vehicles. Amenities include 100% hook-ups for electricity, water, satellite TV; waste dump stations, and a club house (within walking distance) with whirlpool spa, meeting spaces, showers, laundry facilities, convenient store, information booth and outdoor BBQ and patio with views of beautiful Mt. Taylor. Call 1-888-SKY CITY for reservations.

Sky City is located 65 miles (96 km.) west of Albuquerque on I-40, Exit 102, and 15 miles (19 km.) south on Indian Route 23, Exit 108. Visitors who wish to visit Acoma Pueblo must receive permission. Photography permits, tours and guides are available at the Sky City Cultural Center & Haak’u Museum at the base of the mesa, (800) 747-0181. www.skycity.com.

Calendar of Events:

September 2 - Old Acoma Pueblo – Sky City- San Esteban Feast Day- Annual Feast Day – Harvest Dances

Acoma Pueblo
Tribal Administration
P.O. Box 310,
Acoma Pueblo, 87034
Phone: (505) 552-6604
Phone: (888) 747-0181
www.acomaskycity.org

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