Glimpse into a Lost World

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Glimpse into a Lost World

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The Casa Grande Ruins story

The ruins of a walled compound, discovered in 1694 by Esubio King, a Jesuit missionary, are dominated by the extraordinary Casa Grande (“Big House”), a four-story building constructed of unreinforced clay (caliche). The first story of Casa Grande is filled with earth, apparently to support the other three stories of the structure. The second and third stories had rooms in them that were used as living spaces, and the fourth story consisted of only one central room. Openings in the walls of Casa Grande align with the Sun and Moon at different times during the year. Built by Hohokam Indians, a Pueblo

 people, in the early 14th century, it is the only pre-Columbian building of its type in existence. Hohokam is an O'odham or Pima word used by archeologists to identify a group of people that lived in the Sonoran Desert. Hohokam means "those who are gone" or "all used up." What they called themselves is unknown.

Casa Grande Ruins is the first archeological site to be preserved by the federal government and the fifth oldest unit in the National Park Service. Set aside as a federal land reserve in 1892 and then as a National Monument in 1918, Casa Grande Ruins is a very special place, a place where history transcends 600 years of continuous occupation.

Several important construction projects were undertaken during the 1930’s. The main part of the visitor center building with adjacent parking lot and entrance road, and a new steel shelter roof over the Casa Grande, were completed in 1932. Between 1937 and 1940, the Civilian Conservation Corps constructed a number of adobe buildings to support park operations. All of these structures remain in use today and are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As a result, the general physical appearance of Casa Grande Ruins has changed very little since the 1940’s.

General Information

Directions: The park is in Coolidge, Arizona, about an hour-long drive from either Phoenix or Tucson. From Interstate 10 take the Coolidge exits and follow the signs to the park entrance.

Entrance Fee: $5.00 per person, Children 15 and under are admitted free. Annual Pass, Senior Pass, Access Pass and Volunteer Pass cards are honored.

Seasons: Open every day of the year, except Thanksgiving Day and December 25th.

Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.