Our sightseeing trip took us to the Casa Grande National Monument Prehistoric Ruins. These “Ancient People of the Sonoran Desert – Hohokam” lived here for over a thousand years (up to around 1400 AD). They were farmers and traders and at one time this area supported almost 5000 people in separate compounds/villages.
Here is a little history from the internet:
It Began Over A 1000 Years Ago.
Imagine a swift and efficient movement of water through the dry, arid desert of southwestern Arizona. Imagine how an innovatively engineered system of canals and channels could aid the production of crops, enable new communities to grow and flourish, and bring much needed relief to a drought-ridden people. Sound like a plan for developing Arizona into an oasis of modern proportions? Think again. The oasis just described is not the Arizona of today, or even tomorrow, but rather over 1,000 years ago. The Hohokam people of southern Arizona were farmers first and foremost, but found the parched earth frustrating, especially considering the close proximity to both the Gila and Santa Cruz rivers. In an amazing display of innovation they developed a series of canals to move water from the rivers over several miles to their small villages. Their farms flourished. They were able to expand their small pithouses into more substantial buildings. Their population grew. For many years up through the 14th century the Hohokam settlement was one of the most sophisticated communities in the American southwest. Today all that remains of the Hohokam are ruins of their once-great architecture and engineering, the most prominent of which is available for all to see at Casa Grande Ruins National Monument.
Early Preservation of the Ruins.
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is the first archaeological site to be preserved by the United States government, and is the fifth oldest location in the National Park Service. Located in south-central Arizona in Coolidge Arizona which is midway between Phoenix and Tucson, the Casa Grande Ruins was first established as a national reserve in 1892, and then later a national monument. While other examples of Hohokam culture can be found, most notably at the Pueblo Grande Museum located in and owned by the City of Phoenix, Casa Grande Ruins remains one of the most spectacular federal park sites dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of early southwestern culture.
The Big House.
The most impressive structure at Casa Grande Ruins is the four-story building known as The Big House. A massive 2,400 square feet, the building has walls over three feet thick. Visitors can explore the exterior of the ruin, and can see inside to what remains of stairways and windows. Wooden support beams are also visible, emphasizing the architectural skill of the early Hohokam people. The Big House is much larger than other ruins discovered in the area and because of its topographical orientation toward the four points of the compass, it is believed to be some kind of observatory. This further suggests the Hohokam were advanced engineers and scientists. Placement of certain doors and windows to capture the rising and setting of the sun and moon continues to amaze visitors today.
Here is the wall around the compound:
Some of the dwellings:
And the Great House “Casa Grande”:
So what did they use to build this?
Caliche, of course – :-)). The walls of the building were built in layers. The base is four foot thick and tapers to about 18 inches thick at the top.
This building is HUGE – notice the people in the above photo for a perspective.
These ancient people built many canals to irrigate their land where they grew grains, corn, beans, etc. They also used this food in trade with other settlements for items such as pine to use in their buildings.
Another thing that amazed me what that they built this building to use as prehistoric observatory. Here is more information:
The hole on the top right is the lunar alignment:
The hole on the top left is the solstice sunset alignment:
Other alignment holes on the east side of the building.
Isn’t that fascinating!!
Another one of the buildings on site:
We were able to take the ranger-led tour and then spent some time in the museum – what a great day!
So what else have we been doing…..
On Monday, 28th, I went to beading class and learned how to make another bracelet (still have to finish it!!). We went to Bingo on Wednesday night – had a great time. Andy and I even won a game each (so we came out ahead).
On New Year’s Eve, we went to a party at the clubhouse – here I am doing the chicken dance – LOL!!!
Our new addition, Dusty, has been training us – LOL!! We did get him use to the harness and leash but he wants no part of going outside… which is good for now. We continue to put the harness on him just in case he shows some interest one day.
Until tomorrow..
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