The last big highlight of our Arizona road trip was Casa Grande. This imposing structure was first seen by a white man in 1694. A community of ancient Sonoran Desert people had lived and farmed the region up until about 1450 and then abandoned the place for unknown reasons. They developed an extensive network of canals to water their crops including corn, beans, squash, tobacco and cotton among others. They were also skilled pottery artists. One enormous pot that was recovered from the ruins intact was more than two feet in diameter and it is on display in the visitor center. Sadly there is no written language and no record of why they left.
The roof over the big building was constructed in 1932 in order to prevent further decay of the ruins. Some restoration attempts were made however little has changed since the 1940’s.
My Everyday Photos 