In my work for the TMS Byway, I was excited and honored to design and illustrate these interpretive signs.

 

The West Fork Archeological Site lies at the northern terminus of the Trail of the Mountain Spirits National Scenic Byway, less than a mile from Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, in the heart of New Mexico's Gila Wilderness. There is evidence of nearly 2000 years of human occupation, including the people of the Mogollon cultural area, who built their homes on the site for over 1200 years.

 

The TMS Byway funded the creation of five interpretive signs to stand on the site, which was paved over in 1966 by NM Highway 15, leaving no reminder of the cultural and archeological riches below. Through these signs, the byway hopes to educate and bring public awareness to the site and the peoples who lived and thrived here for countless generations.

 

The interpretive signs are oriented to the river and to views of pueblo roomblock outlines, which were recreated in stone by Allen Campbell. The project involved the National Park Service, and the U.S. Forest Service provided key content.