In the 1880's and 1890's, some of the prominent cliff dwellings were partially excavated, and many artifacts were removed. This angered the public and inspired efforts to protect Mesa Verde. At the time, several prominent women engaged in campaigns to inform the public about the need to preserve and protect the cliff dwellings. Their efforts are largely responsible for the creation of Mesa Verde National Park on June 29, 1906. This particular dwelling is named after Mary Hemenway. She financially supported the first archeological research in the Southwest. An archeologist proposed naming this cliff dwelling in her honor.

Facing toward the northeast, we can again see the San Juan mountain range.

This is the same mountain range seen from Mancos State Park. The towns of Durango and Silverton are in these mountains, and the Silverton train (a steam train) runs from Durango up to Silverton and back. We passed by Durango on the way to Mancos.

This side of the loop faces an area called Soda Canyon. Directly below us, a small part of Soda Canyon can be seen.