Snaketown – Hidden History
Snaketown is an example excavation and preservation
There are many hidden historical treasures throughout southern Arizona. They may not be easy to reach and easily discovered, but for those who want to dig deeper into history, they are worth the effort. The preservation of these places is a priority of all of the organizations connected to Southern Arizona History Connection. Respecting the land, history, and integrity of this history is the ONLY way it will be preserved for those who come after us.
One of the largest known Hohokam villages 500 AD to 1450 AD "Snake Town" was an agricultural society featuring massive irrigation canal systems, large settlements, ball courts and pit houses. The inhabitants crafted elaborately decorated pottery.
Excavated in the 1930s and re-buried in order to preserve it.
Arizona Memory Project
Collecting Oral Histories in Southern Arizona through audio/visual recordings
- Partnering with non profit History Organizations to select seniors with unique perspectives on our past
- Adding stories to the Arizona Memory Project Arizona Memory Project.
https://azmemory.azlibrary.gov/nodes/browse - Preserving original recordings at the University of Arizona Special Collections
- Sharing stories with the participant's family and our organization partners
- Made possible with a Grant from the Vance Foundation
preserving the past for the future
The Ranch of Buffalo Bill Cody
High Jinx Ranch was owned by the iconic Buffalo Bill Cody. The property sits outside of Oracle, Arizona and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHR).
When this photo was taken in 2008, the ranch had already been abandoned by its previous owners. We were simply visiting the property with a dear friend who was considering purchasing the land.
Two years later, in 2010, the ranch was purchased and restored by the new owners. This information was also updated on the NRHR.
The High Jinx Ranch site is right next to the Arizona Trail. This photo of Buffalo Bill Cody and Teddy Roosevelt is near an old wagon on the property. There was no information about the photo when discovered.
The old wagon on this property may have been used for
a movie with Elizabeth Taylor in the 1950’s.
The Original Pennington Cabin
This image is of the old Pennington cabin, which can be found on the banks of Santa Cruz, River. It is now on private property. Today, the cabin is registered with NRHP. The Penningtons were the last Anglos remaining in the area in the 1880s. Others had moved north to be protected by military from Indian attacks. Larcena Pennington, a daughter, was captured by Apaches. The famous story of her
capture, escape and rescue is told and written about often.
