Shiprock rises out of the plains in northwestern New Mexico, in the Four Corners area. It is on Navajo land, and is regarded as a sacred site.

It's believed its name came from early explorers who thought it resembled sailing ships of the 1800s.

For the Navajo, it is sacred, and they call it Tse Bit'A'i  - "winged rock" or "rock with wings," referring to a past when legends say the rock transported them from a distant land where they were under attack. 

It is a striking geographic feature, and can be seen as far as 100 miles away. And in Navajo history, it is a symbol of a new beginning.

Links of interest:
http://www.americansouthwest.net/new_mexico/shiprock/
http://www.sacredsites.com/americas/united_states/shiprock.html
http://www.lapahie.com/Shiprock_Peak.cfm