Hohokam Pima National Monument, Arizona

Hohokam Pima National Monument is a protected site of archaeological interest near Sacaton, Arizona. The site, located within the Gila River Indian Community, preserves the remains of an ancient Hohokam village, known today as Snaketown.

What we know of Snaketown was from excavations carried out in 1934 by the Gila Pueblo Foundation, and again in the 1960's, under the direction of Emil Haury, Assistant Director of Gila Pueblo. The excavations uncovered the living quarters of the ancient Hohokam people. Also uncovered were the ancient burial sites where the Hohokam practised cremation.

Terrain of the Hohokam Pima National Monument
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hohokam_Pima_National_Monument.jpg
Author: BruceandLetty


From the studies, we learned that the Hohokam people were farmers. They grew a variety of crops including beans, squash, tobacco, cotton and corn. They devised an irrigation system of man-made canals and drains. The community lived in pit houses dug into the ground with mud walls, similar to those built by the neighboring Mogollon people, only bigger and shallower.

After the scientific studies were completed, the Snaketown site was completely recovered with earth, to leave no visible trace of its whereabouts.

Visiting Hohokam Pima National Monument, Arizona

The site is owned by the Gina River Indian Community. It includes ancient burial grounds. Due to the sensitive nature of the site, it is not open to public.

 Latest updates on Penang Travel Tips