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Fred Blackburn

Fred began his career in 1974 in southeastern Utah's Natural Bridges National Monument as the first ranger for Grand Gulch. He helped design the Wetherill / Grand Gulch research project which culminated in the first conference strictly devoted to Ancestral Puebloan Basketmaker culture and its first recognition by the Wetherill family.

Fred has researched and written extensively about the late 19th century archaeological explorations of the Four Corners. He authored "The Wetherills, Friends of Mesa Verde," a centennial publication for Mesa Verde National Park and co-authored with Dr. Ray Williamson "Cowboys and Cave Dwellers," a review of early archaeological explorations in the Grand Gulch and Mesa Verde region. Fred contributed to "Handwriting on the Wall" in Anasazi Basketmaker, and "A History of a Cliff Dwelling in Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado," by Kathleen Fiero. Most recently, Fred wrote the text for "Sacred Places of the Southwest" with photographer Claus Mroczynski.

Fred utilizes historical inscriptions as a primary research reference. His collaboration with Wetherill Family members, and his extensive knowledge of the terrain and archaeology of the Four Corners serve him well in the organization of special field programs. Fred holds a biological science degree and secondary science education certificate from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado.