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Show 5EL& VO Paee 5 So, why did the Indians leave Utah? So did One Anasazi and the why Fremont Indians abandon Utah anyway? Or did they? That question has been on the lips of more travelers and more archaeologists for the last 100 years than any other. But its answer is still "out there somewhere," still out there waiting to be discovered. It is asked by almost everyone visiting Nine-Mil- e Canyon, Canyonlands National Park or the San Rafael Swell. Why were they so successful for over a millennium, relying on their corn agriculture, living in small and large villages spread over a wide area of Utah and the Four Corners, and suddenly they were forced to leave their traditional homelands? By 1300 A.D., archaeologists say the Anasazi and the Fremont had "mysteriously" abandoned Utah. At first, ar- chaeologists believed it happened all at once. They believed there was some kind of mass migration, but now they see it as something completely different. current theory, says they were pushed from their farms and cities by environmental forces. Tree-rin- g dating has shown there was a prolonged drought in the entire area from 1276 A.D. to 1 299 A.D. As a result of Four-Corne- rs that devastating drought, other related consequences have been proposed. Deforestation, colder temperatures, lowered water tables and shortages of arable land may have resulted. Increased warfare is another popular idea being proposed. Such interlopers as the Athapaskans (Navajos and Apaches) or Shoshoeans probably entered the Southwest about the same time the drought did. Archaeologists point to walled cities, sites that are obviously defensive cation, and towers that have served as evidence invasion. Some say increasing in lo- might of this social pressures caused the move. Their desertion may have been caused by increasingly crowded villages or by rapidly spreading epidemic diseases or to social institutions that did not serve a new way of life. This dizzying array of explanations only serves to confuse and frustrate a student or traveler wishing to know why they would abandon a small city leaving dishes, tools and food literally on the table. New theories suggest the abandonment may have been triggered by other forces. Some say they were led away in search of the "bright lights" of other areas. The idea is that ' -- J.' The Nutter Ranch ft V opportunities and attractions outside the immediate area were instrumental in drawing the Anasazi and Fremont to what had previously been only the southern margins of their world. Others say they were drawn by stronger communities and new religion systems that were - in Nine-Mil- See the Movies! 3 Movie Theatres showing 5 Movies for your enjoyment KINGKOAL 1171 East Main, Price 637-123- 3 CROWN THEATRE 30 West Main, Price 637-170- 5 PRICE THEATRE The indians living in Nine Mile Canyon left behind many examples of their art, ancient representations of their life here in Utah. TMEMIEME We Loan Money On Anything of Value SELL BUY TRADE LOAN CHINESE STEAKS & & AMERICAN SEAFOOD Cameras Tools Musical Instruments Jewelry Snowblowers Sporting Goods Cars Etc. M 1 GUNS GOLD 'DIAMONDS SILVER fclrl-SrlXXXXXS-S- A ) VCRs M0N.-FR- I. 8-- 6, SAT 10-4P- n9j w PAWN SHOP BEAUTIFUL BANQUET FACILITIES COMFORTABLE & PRIVATE DINING ROOMS Catering Available for any Occasion TAKE OUT ORDERS OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK AT 11 AM m 637-374- 8 11 5 WEST MAIN PRICE, UTAH 637-821- 1 - ' . Canyon. e MM more successful in southern villages. Where they went is pretty clear. Convincing arguments were presented many years continued on page 12 i 350 E. MAIN, PRICE - |