Arenal, Arizona facts for kids

Arenal, which means "sandy place" in Spanish, was a small village that existed in the 1800s. It was also known as Aranca No.1 during the 1857 census. Arenal was one of several Pima Villages located along the Gila River. Today, this area is part of the Gila River Indian Community in Pinal County, Arizona.

What Was Arenal?

Arenal was a community where the Pima people lived during the 19th century. The Pima people are also known as the Akimel O'odham. They have lived along the Gila River for a very long time. These villages were important centers for farming and community life.

Life in the Pima Villages

Life in the Pima villages like Arenal revolved around the Gila River. The river provided water for farming crops like corn, beans, and squash. The Pima people were skilled farmers. They used irrigation canals to bring water to their fields. These communities were close-knit. Families worked together to grow food and build their homes.

Arenal's Population Story

Arenal appeared only once in official records. This was during the 1860 U.S. Census. At that time, the area was called Arizona County, part of the New Mexico Territory. The census counted 577 people living in Arenal. All of them were Pima Indians.

How Many People Lived There?

Arenal was a significant community for its time. It was the largest Native American village recorded in Arizona County. Only the town of Tucson had more people. The census helps us understand how many people lived in different places.

Where Was Arenal Located?

Finding the exact spot where Arenal stood today is tricky. The people who took the census in 1860 did not draw precise maps. They did not mark the exact locations of the Pima villages. However, records suggest Arenal was somewhere between two other villages. These were called Cerrito and Cachanillo. After 1860, Arenal was never listed in the census again. This means the village either moved or its name changed.