photos by Stephen Eginoire

Extraordinary ancient cultures, incomparable natural history and uninterrupted wilderness are but a few details that come to mind when one ponders the American Southwest. The Center of Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College connects individuals with the oppportunity to explore and learn about about this regions unique and dynamic history. Since its founding in 1964, the Center has become an invaluable rescource for hands-on research. With exhibit space, an archival repository, special collections library, classrooms and labs, even a quick tour of the facilities reveals the treasury of knowledge contained within.

Shelved books await readers at the Centers special collections research library. Student employee Kelly Webers organizes aging newspaper articles in the Robert Delaney Research Library. A colorized black and white photograph from the Post Cards from the Nina Webber Collection depicts smelters processing ore in Durango. Circa early 1900s. Ancestral Puebloan pot,Olla as its known, was discovered in Southeast Utah in the late 1950s. This was the Centers 1st acquisition. A print of an old 1890s Caxton Co. map of the San Juan Mountains. Perfect geometry and bright colors are typical characteristics of Navajo Rug weavings. Shown here are a few expamples on display at the Center.