Tuzigoot National Monument facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tuzigoot National Monument |
|
|---|---|
|
IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
|
|
Part of the Tuzigoot pueblo
|
|
 Tuzigoot National Monument
Location in Arizona
Tuzigoot National Monument
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Yavapai County, Arizona, USA |
| Nearest city | Cottonwood, Arizona |
| Area | 811.89 acres (328.56 ha) |
| Created | July 25, 1939 |
| Visitors | 98,090 (in 2018) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Website | Tuzigoot National Monument |
Tuzigoot National Monument is a special place in Arizona, USA. It protects the remains of an ancient village called a pueblo. This pueblo was built by the Sinagua people long ago. It sits on top of a ridge, about 120 feet (36 meters) above the Verde River.
The word "Tuzigoot" comes from the Tonto Apache language. It means "crooked waters." This name likely refers to nearby Pecks Lake, which is a curvy part of the Verde River. The Sinagua people built this village between the years 1125 and 1400 CE. Tuzigoot is the biggest and best-preserved Sinagua pueblo in the whole Verde Valley.
The village had about 110 rooms. Many rooms did not have doors at ground level. Instead, the people used ladders to climb through openings in the roofs to get inside. The central rooms were taller and might have been used for important community gatherings. Today, the National Park Service takes care of this historic site.
Contents
Discovering Tuzigoot's Past
How Tuzigoot Was Found
The land where Tuzigoot stands was once owned by a mining company. They sold the site to Yavapai County for just one dollar. This allowed archaeologists to start digging and learn about the ancient village. The county then gave the land to the U.S. government.
Digging Up History
Archaeologists Louis Caywood and Edward Spicer from the University of Arizona led the excavation. They worked from 1933 to 1935. This project was supported by federal programs like the Civil Works Administration. These programs helped people find jobs during a tough economic time.
After the digging finished, more federal money helped prepare the ruins for visitors. A museum and visitor center were built in a style that looks like the old pueblos. This made it easier for people to come and learn about Tuzigoot.
Becoming a National Monument
On July 25, 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt officially made Tuzigoot a U.S. National Monument. This means it is a protected area because of its important historical value. Later, in 1966, the Tuzigoot National Monument Archeological District was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list recognizes places important to American history.
Images for kids
-
Tuzigoot National Monument
-
Tuzigoot, viewed from across the old tailings pond, 1945
-
Tuzigoot Museum
.jpg)
