President Barack Obama will declare the Chimney Rock Archaeological Area as a national monument, according to news reports.

Chimney Rock covers about 4,726 acres in southwestern Colorado. It was an ancestral home of today's Pueblo tribes, some of whom still maintain a connection to the site.

"The story of my tribe, the Pueblo of Acoma, and our history is intimately connected to Chimney Rock. This place is still sacred to my people, and we are glad to see it will now be protected for our children and grandchildren,” said Chandler Sanchez, chairman of the All Indian Pueblo Council, in a press release, The Durango Herald reported.

Obama will make the announcement tomorrow, according to news reports. It will be only the third time he has declared a national monument since taking office in January 2009.

Get the Story:
Chimney Rock upgrade set for Friday (The Durango Herald 9/20)
Chimney Rock to be named a national monument (The Denver Post 9/20)
Obama administration creates new national monument in southwest Colorado (AP 9/20)
In a Tight Race, Obama Draws on the Levers of His Power (The New York Times 9/20)