Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park takes you back in time to see how the earliest known residents of this area lived. Work on the site has revealed the homes, waterways and tools used by an ancient indigenous tribe who lived here over a thousand years ago.
The artefacts and buildings uncovered by the archaeologists working here tell the story of the Hohokam people. This Native American tribe lived in the Valley of the Sun from approximately 450 AD to 1450—when they vanished without a trace. And that is exactly where their name comes from: “Hohokam” is a word used by the local Pima tribe meaning “the people who vanished” or “went away”. We will never know why the Hohokam people left this area after a thousand years, but the work of the archaeologists here has provided us with some fascinating insights into their way of life.
Visit the museum to learn how they discovered that over 2,000 people made up the tribe, who cultivated food crops and cotton over 4,000 hectares of land. Discover the story of the first peoples in America to discover the use of canals for irrigation—vital in this desert environment. And see how the archaeologists have interpreted their finds to be certain that the tribe hunted, fished and traded with other groups.
As you wander around the site, you can see that this community was about more than just work—the ball courts are where the Hohokam came to unwind in friendly competition. Step inside one of the homes that has been rebuilt according to the indigenous style to learn more about the culture through tools, pottery and jewellery on display.
Budding explorers of history will love the children’s gallery, where they will have a chance to try being archaeologists for the day or to build their own village. There is a varied programme of events—visit the website to see which workshops are on during your stay.
The park is not far from central Phoenix on East Washington Street. It is open daily, but from May to September it is closed on Mondays and Sundays.
