Chimney Rock - Nebraska

 

Summary

The historical marker at Chimney Rock commemorates the advanced astronomical knowledge and cultural significance of the Ancestral Puebloans who lived there between A.D. 900 and 1150. The marker explains how the site's architecture is aligned with lunar standstills—events occurring every 18.6 years—revealing a sophisticated understanding of celestial cycles. It highlights the role Chimney Rock played as a spiritual and ceremonial center linked to the larger Chacoan network. Designated a national monument in 2012, the area remains sacred to modern Pueblo tribes. The marker serves to educate visitors on the legacy and enduring cultural heritage of this remarkable ancient civilization.