4 Corners cherishes the historical monuments left by the early Spanish explorers. During the 13+ years we have been exploring and tracking these markers in the Southwestern United States, we have seen hundreds of these monuments. We display them here for your viewing pleasure.

Spanish monuments were constructed according to the king of Spain's official direction and by his precise instruction. We know this to be true because many monuments found as far north as Kansas are constructed in the exact manner as the markers found in New Mexico, Texas, and Utah. In the New World, the Palace of Governors in Mexico City and Santa Fe would appoint two marker/monument building supervisors to oversee construction of all mine/treasure trails being used for mining or for the shipping of royal gold making its way to the nearest port to be shipped via Spanish Galleon to the king of Spain.

Officials in both Mexico City and Santa Fe regulated and enforced the king's wishes, fearing his penalty of death. In addition, they were required to receive the king's 15% to 20% fee from the hacienda/mine owners. The king required the trail markers to be built so that if he wanted to have a surprise inspection without notifying an owner, his soldiers could easily find and follow the monumented trail into these desolate mountain regions. The king also was concerned that these mines might fall under attack or be struck by a mining disaster, so he wanted to have the right to re-establish the mine, or retrieve hidden treasure by following these markers.

Many of these markers still exist, but they are not easy to read or locate by those who are oblivious to their meanings. This is one reason why these monuments have remained standing for 300 years. Often, vandals or rogue treasure hunters will knock down these markers o throw off others. But if one is attentive and knows the codes to the puzzle, he could still find his way from Mexico City to as far north as Kansas by simply reading these monuments.

Enjoy!