Casa Grande is the large remains of a building in a village constructed by the Hohokum. There are two small openings that are set in the sides of the building -- on the Summer Solstice and the Autumnal Equinox, the rays of the sun shine onto the opposite wall inside the structure. There are remnants of some smaller buildings too.

The structure that covers and protects Casa Grande was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, Jr., and now it also has historical significance. From a distance, it reminded us of a space ship.

We decided to stop at Casa Grande Ruins National Monument after noticing road signs advertising it on our return trip from Tombstone. I would highly recommend stopping here. The park is located about an hour south east of Phoenix and is easily accessible off of the I-10 highway. The Casa Grande Park contains the ruins of a walled farming community once inhabited by the Hohokam tribe but now long deserted. By far, the most eye-catching structure in the park is the Great House. The structure is approximately 4 stories high and was completed prior to 1350. The large steal roof built above the Great House was constructed in the 1930s to protect the ruins from the elements.