This ruin crowns a low hill about 3 miles south of Dolores (fig.
3). The form of the mound is semicircular with a depression in the
middle around which can be traced radiating partitions suggesting
compartments. Its outer wall on the south side, as in so many other
examples of this type, has fallen, and the indications are that here
the wall was straight, or like that on the south side of Horseshoe Ruin.
The author’s attention was first called to this ruin by Mr. Gordon
Parker, supervisor of the Montezuma Forest Reserve, it having been
discovered by Mr. J. W. Emerson, one of his rangers. The circular or
semicircular form (fig. 4) of the mound indicates at once that it does
not belong to the same type as Far View House; the central depression
is surrounded by a series of compartments separated by radiating
walls like the circular ruins in the pueblo region to the south. Mr.
Emerson’s report, which follows, points out the main features of this
remarkable ruin.[31]
[31] The letter referring to the circular ruin near Dolores was
prepared by Mr. Emerson, the discoverer of this ruin, and was
transmitted to the Smithsonian Institution as part of a phase of
cooperative work with the Forest Service, by Mr. Gordon Parker,
superintendent of the Montezuma Forest Reserve.
[Illustration: FIG. 3.—Metes and bounds of Emerson Ruin. (After
Emerson.)]
DOLORES, COLORADO, _July 7, 1917_.
In August, 1916, I visited Mesa Verde National Park.
While there Doctor Fewkes inquired in regard to
ruins in the vicinity of the Big Bend of the Dolores
River. He informed me that the log of two old Spanish
explorers of 1775 described a ruin near the bend of the
Dolores River as of great value.
Later, during October, 1916, I visited a number of
ruins in this vicinity, including the one which (for
the want of a better name) I have mapped and named Sun
Dial Palace. Later, last fall, I again visited these
ruins with Mr. R. W. Williamson, of Dolores, Colorado.
On July 5, 1917, I again visited these ruins, which
I have designated as Reservoir Group and Sun Dial
Palace.[32] For location and status of land on which
they lie see map of sec. 17, T. 37 N., R. 15 W., N. M.
P. M. (fig. 3).
While examining Sun Dial Palace I noted the “D-shaped
construction, also that the south wall of the building
ran due east and west.” Also please note the regularity
of wall bearings from the approximate center of the
elliptical center chamber. I also noted that a shadow
cast by the sun apparently coincides with some of these
walls at different hours during the day. This last gave
suggestion to the name. Also please note that the first
tier of rooms around the middle chamber does not show
a complete set of bearings but seems to suggest that
these regular bearings were obtained from observation
and study of a master builder. The result of his study
was built as the next circular room tier was added. The
two missing rooms on the western side of the building
seem to suggest that this building was never completed,
and also bear out my theory of an outward building of
room tiers from the middle chamber.
On the ground this building is fully completed on the
south side and forms a due east and west line. An error
in mapping the elliptical middle chamber has given the
south side an incomplete appearance.
I believe that the excavation and study of this ruin
will recall something of value, as Father Escalante
wrote in his log in 1775.
Respectfully submitted.
(Signed) J. WARD EMERSON,
_Forest Ranger_.
[Illustration: FIG. 4.—Schematic ground plan of Emerson Ruin. (After
Emerson.)]
[32] Also see detailed map of construction of Sun Dial Palace (fig. 4).
A personal examination of the remains of this building leads the author
to the conclusion that while it belongs to the circular group, with a
ground plan resembling Horseshoe House, and while the central part had
a wall completely circular, the outer concentric curved walls did not
complete their course on the south side, but ended in straight walls
comparable with the partitions separating compartments. The author
identifies another ruin as that mentioned by the Catholic fathers in
1775.