Square Tower - Hovenweep National Monument - Utah
Posted by: 
94RedRover
N 37° 22.998 W 109° 04.655
12S E 670195 N 4139128
The Square Tower lends it's name to this group of ruins in Ruin Canyon. The unique architecture is still standing, from as early as 250 AD.
Waymark Code: WM5TZT
Location: Utah, United States
Date Posted: 02/13/2009
Views: 8
"...Under the cliff below Hovenweep House are the remains of another large dwelling, and atop a pinncle that rises from the canyon is Square Tower, the remarkable ruin from which the canyon takes its name."
--- Utah: A Guide to the State
Scattered throughout this valley are remains of a dozen or so different structures, indicating a population of some size inhabited this area, and evidence that the nearby mesa being farmed has also been excavated. There is evidence that this area may have been inhabited as early as 250 AD, but these structures that remain as a reminder of the past were built around 1230 to 1275 AD. Some of the structures involve creative structural features and mortars.
The Square Tower stands in the canyon below. The tower may have been for storage, or to guard a valuable spring. The architecture of the tower is interesting as well. The tower climbs in height, with a slight twist to the structure. This may have added to the fact that this tower is still standing after all these centuries.
We couldn't help but imagine that this tower was attached to some of the structures along the canyon rim, offering easier access to the spring, or even for defense purposes.