Named 'Casa Grande' by a Spanish Jesuit Priest in the mid-1400's
The main structure in this large community reached 4 stories in the inner structure. The Casa Grande community was at one end of an agricultural area that spanned hundreds of miles. Precious water reached the crops through a sophisticated network of hundreds of miles of canals. The canals were dug and maintained with only wood and stone tools.
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| The main structure is now protected by a roof. |
Most of the dwellings and structures are melting into the desert - the caliche stone/clay structures did well to stand over a thousand years. Very little of the entire monument is accessible to the public. But, the ruins themselves were not as interesting to me as the exhibits in the visitor center. They have a pretty impressive collection of pottery and artifacts from the community. Also, the history and accomplishments of these Ancestral People of the Sonoran Desert was very interesting.
The site is sacred to the native people who live in the region.
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| Slowly melting into the desert |
Even the birds are over-achieving architects here!
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| Saguaro bird condominium |
We visit the ruins anytime someone new comes to Casa Grande. I think they are surprised when we say it's in Coolidge.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised too. But, I was also surprised at close to town (both Coolidge and Casa Grande) they were. I had expected a longer, more isolated drive.
DeleteI was at Casa Grande about 25 years ago. At that time access was unrestricted. So nice to see it's still there. Great photos!
ReplyDeleteLucky you! I would have liked to see if I could still see the outlines of the fields and irrigation canals. The museum was very good though.
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