Archive for the 'Arizona' Category
Wednesday, July 30th, 2008
Arizona Trip Pictures
Some of the highlights of the trip included a hike down the Bright Angel trail into the Grand Canyon, a guided tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesen West home in Scottsdale, Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix, Montezuma Castle locatated between Phoenix and Flagstaff, a drive on Route 66 through Williams, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, Slide Rock State Park, and other great stops along our trip.
Monday, July 7th, 2008
Montezuma Castle National Park
On December 8, 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt celebrated the passage of the Antiquities Act by declaring four sites of historic and cultural significance as our nation’s first National Monuments. Among these was Montezuma Castle, which the President identified as a place “of the greatest ethnological value and scientific interest.” Although very few original artifacts remained in the structure due to intensive looting of the site, Roosevelt’s decision assured the continued protection of one of the best preserved prehistoric cliff dwellings in North America.
Montezuma Castle National Monument quickly became a destination for America’s first car-bound tourists. In 1933, “Castle A”, a 45-50 room, pueblo ruin was excavated, uncovering a wealth of artifacts and greatly enhanced our understanding of the Sinagua people who inhabited this riparian “oasis” along Beaver Creek for over 400 years.
Early visitors to the monument were allowed access to the structure by climbing a series of ladders up the side of the limestone cliffs. However, due to extensive damage to this valuable cultural landmark, public access of the ruins was discontinued in 1951.
Monday, July 7th, 2008
Montezuma Castle National Park
Monday, July 7th, 2008
Desert Botanical Garden
Nestled amid the red buttes of Papago Park, the Desert Botanical Garden hosts one of the world’s finest collections of desert plants. One of only 44 botanical gardens accredited by the American Association of Museums, this one-of-a-kind museum showcases 50 acres of beautiful outdoor exhibits. Home to 139 rare, threatened and endangered plant species from around the world, the Garden offers interesting and inspiring experiences to more than 300,000 visitors each year.
Monday, July 7th, 2008
Desert Botanical Garden
Monday, July 7th, 2008
Desert Botanical Garden
Monday, July 7th, 2008
Desert Botanical Garden
Monday, July 7th, 2008
Desert Botanical Garden
Monday, July 7th, 2008
Desert Botanical Garden
Monday, July 7th, 2008
Desert Botanical Garden
