I went to the Casa Grande Ruins (Big “House) National Monument today. Built by the prehistoric people called Hohokam , prior to 1350 A.D., this site has been excavated showing the first pit houses, later above ground houses and the impressive Big House. This ancient 4 story structure still commands respect. It is 4 stories tall, 60 feet long, constructed of 3000 tons of caliche (a concrete-like mix of sand, clay and calcium carbonate (limestone). Hundreds of pine, juniper and fir trees were floated 60 miles down the Gila River for ceiling or floor supports with saguaro spines laid across the beams. This was constructed about 1350 AD, and represents the height of their architecture. The remains of a walled village surround the main buildings. There is also a prehistoric ball court. These Indians lived here many centuries before building Casa Grande but it was abandoned about 1450 AD for unknown reasons. A circular hole in the west wall aligns with the setting sun on the summer solstice. It is thought that these people used a primitive calendar using the celestial objects to know times for planting, harvest and celebration. They diverted the river for irrigating their crops.
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