History tells us that the Hohokam tribe migrated north from Mexico and settled
in southern Arizona. The name Hohokam derives from the word Hoohoogum, given to
those living in that region of the southwest desert and means, “Those who have gone”. From the Hohokam
ruins we can see they were a skilled group of farmers who built elaborate
canals that went on for miles. Not much was known about this tribe nor written
about their demise. We are able to study them through the well engineered
canals, ruins, and written stories on rocks known as petroglyphs which were
left behind.
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
are located one hour southeast of Phoenix in Coolidge. These well preserved
remains are where the ancient Hohokam once lived. The main building, or Great
house, is four stories high and 60 feet long. The first floor is on a mount and
the walls are a mixture of a concrete-like combination of sand, clay, and
calcium carbonate or limestone. The Great House took 3,000 tons of Caliche mud…