OK...so we're a little remiss in updating the blog. Really...it's only the 11th of February. We're finishing out the last two spots for 2010 today, so, we're making progress. Having way too much fun here in Casa Grande, AZ...and truly managing to stay out of the bad weather to boot!
Just before leaving for Brenda's for the Holiday visit, we took a drive out to the Casa Grande National Monument. (About 30 miles East of Casa Grande - city.)
This park is an archeological site...and is the place for which Casa Grande was named.
A canopy was built over the "BIG HOUSE" to protect it from the elements back in the 1800's when the site was discovered, with the current canopy representing an update.
The land was occupied by the "Hohokam"...and indian tribe which dates back to the 1300's in this region. They migrated north from Mexico [as we learned in one of our adventures in January 2011-more on that later]
The plaque explains the land in the picture following it. They had an arena for "games." There is still some digging being done in this area.
These people had an amazing system of irrigation that they developed - and they were agricultural people.
Incidently, most of the Arizona farming is supported by "updated" but truly similar irrigation systems today.
Incidently, most of the Arizona farming is supported by "updated" but truly similar irrigation systems today.
The desert at certain altitudes is populated by Saguaro [Sa-Wah-Ro] cactus...at around 1500 - 2000 ft above sea level they are quite prevalent.
The Hohokam abandoned the area (@ 1500)...and no one is quite sure why or where they went.
Parts of their buildings...and foundations for their living space has been unearthed by the archiologists. They amazingly lived quite well off the food of the land.
Closeup shots of the "Casa Grande" The Main house...and community center for the Hohokam village.
Truly an interesting visit.
Truly an interesting visit.
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