Cortez - Montezuma Co., CO 81321

Cortez, the archaeological center of America, is the largest gateway community to Mesa Verde National Park. The Navajos called Cortez Tsaya-toh, meaning "rock water." The spring that once provided water for Navajo sheep also attracted ranchers to the area, then known as Mitchell Springs. The name of the town was changed when Cortez was founded in 1886 and moved a short distance north to the present day town site. Ranching and farming became the economic mainstay of Cortez, and the town also became a major trading center for Native Americans. With the establishment of Mesa Verde National Park in 1906, Cortez also became a tourism community.

Points of Interest: Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument, Anasazi Heritage Center, Ute Tribal Park, Crow Canyon Archeological Center, Cortez Cultural Center, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, Trail of the Ancients Scenic By-way.

Annual Events: Indian Dances, Cortez Center, mid-May - Labor Day; Ute Mountain Rodeo, Arts & Crafts Fiesta in June; Farmer's Market June-Nov.; Montezuma County Fair in Aug.; Colorfest Arts & Crafts in Sept.; Indian Summer Run in Oct.; Parade of Lights in Dec.

Hotel & Motel Rooms: 921 units in 15 properties
Visitors Information: Mesa Verde Country Visitor Information, 928 E. Main,
800-253-1616
Colorado Welcome Center: 928 E. Main, 970 565-3414
Hospital: Southwest Memorial Hospital, 1311 N. Mildred Rd 565-6666
Airport: Montezuma County Airport 22870 County Rd F. 565-9510
Post Office: 35 S. Beech 565-3181
Library: Cortez Municipal Library 802 E. Montezuma Ave 565-8117
Museums: Cortez Cultural Center 25 N. Market 565-1151
Public Golf Course: Conquistador Golf Course 2018 N. Dolores Rd 565-9208
Police Department: 601 N. Mildred Rd 565-8441
Fire Department: 30 N. Ash 565-3157
Newspaper: Cortez Journal, 37 E. Main St. 565-8574
Radio Stations: KRTZ-FM, KVFC-AM