Cachanillo, Arizona facts for kids
Cachanillo was the name of a village that existed in the 1800s. Its name comes from the Spanish word Cachanilla, which is a type of plant called an arrowweed. This plant is a green bush that grows from underground stems. Cachanillo 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.
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What Was Cachanillo?
Cachanillo was an important village for the Pima people during the 19th century. These villages were home to Native American communities who lived and farmed along the Gila River. They had their own unique cultures and ways of life.
Where Was Cachanillo Located?
The village of Cachanillo was situated along the Gila River, a major river in Arizona. This river was a vital source of water for the Pima people. The exact spot of the village is now within the boundaries of the Gila River Indian Community in Pinal County, Arizona. This area is still home to many Pima people today.
People of Cachanillo
The people who lived in Cachanillo were part of the Pima tribe, also known as the Akimel O'odham. They have lived in the Gila River area for a very long time. The Pima people are known for their farming skills, especially growing crops like corn, beans, and squash.
How Many People Lived There?
In 1860, the United States government conducted a census. A census is like a big count of all the people living in a country. The 1860 census recorded that 504 people lived in Cachanillo. All of these residents were Pima people. At that time, Cachanillo was one of the largest Native American communities in the area.
Why Are Old Villages Hard to Find?
When the census was taken in 1860, the people counting didn't always mark the exact locations of villages on maps. This means that today, it's hard for historians and archaeologists to know the precise spot where Cachanillo and other Pima villages once stood. They rely on old records and local knowledge to understand where these communities were.
