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Archaeology of Agua Fria National Monument - The monument contains one of the most significant systems of late
prehistoric sites in the American Southwest. Its ancient ruins offer insights
into the lives of those who long ago inhabited this part of the desert
southwest. Between A.D. 1250 and 1450, the area's pueblo communities were
populated by up to several thousand people. At least 450 prehistoric sites are
known to exist within the monument area and there are likely many more. There
are at least four major settlements within the area, including Pueblo La Plata,
Pueblo Pato, the Baby Canyon Ruin group, and the Lousy Canyon group. These
consist of clusters of stone-masonry pueblos, some containing at least one
hundred rooms. In addition, there are many intact petroglyphs, as well as
remnants of prehistoric agricultural features. The monument also contains
historic sites representing early Anglo-American history through the nineteenth
century, including remnants of Basque sheep camps, historic mining features, and
military activities.
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In the last few decades, the area has received
increased recognition as an outstanding archaeological resource. The majority of
public land in the area was acquired around 1990 from the State of Arizona and
in two private exchanges. The area contains most of a National Register of
Historic Places District. Originally designated in 1975, the District was
expanded in 1996 to encompass approximately 50,000 acres managed by the BLM and
the Tonto National Forest. It is one of the largest prehistoric districts listed
on the National Register of Historic Places. -
from BLM site |
