If your travels happen to take you through – or even near – Coolidge, Arizona, you may have the opportunity to stop by the Casa Grande Ruins. This is a national monument that is believed to have been built over seven hundred years ago, and it has enjoyed protection from the United States government since 1892. Keep reading for a quick look at the Casa Grande Ruins.
An Ancient House
Casa Grande, or “Great House”, is a large Indian ruin that has remained intact since the beginning of the 14th century. The structure reaches four stories tall, which is impressive when you consider the state of the world when it was built. Although it is still standing today, its unproven structural integrity keeps visiting admirers from going inside the building. In 1932 the US government erected a steel canopy to protect the Casa from the sun, and this umbrella is repainted every year. If you are a fan of architectural decay, the Casa Grande Ruins should be on your list of sites to see next time you visit Arizona.
A Mysterious Purpose
One of the most interesting and compelling aspects of the Casa Grande Ruins is the lack of clarity when it comes to why it was constructed in the first place. It was built shortly before a significant depopulation in the area, and some believe that it was originally intended to be an observatory. This is speculation, however, as no one has been able to come up with any evidence clarifying the intention of the structure.
