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Gatlin Archaeological Park: Echoes of the Hohokam

Uncover the past at Gatlin Archaeological Park, a window into Hohokam culture in Gila Bend, Arizona. Explore ancient ruins and discover early life in the desert.

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Explore the remnants of a significant Hohokam settlement at Gatlin Archaeological Park in Gila Bend, Arizona. Discover the culture and history of these early farmers through preserved structures and artifacts.

A brief summary to Gatlin Archaeological Park

Local tips

  • Visit the Gila Bend Visitor Center and Museum to view artifacts from the Gatlin Site while the park is being developed.
  • Check with the Town of Gila Bend for information on special events or tours of the Gatlin Site.
  • Combine your visit with other nearby attractions, such as the Painted Rock Petroglyph Site or the Sonoran Desert National Monument.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Gila Bend, head north on AZ-85. Turn east onto W Pima Street. The Gatlin Archaeological Park is located at 644 W Pima St. Parking is available near the park's main building. Note that the archaeological site itself is located just outside of town.

  • Taxi/Rideshare

    If you are in Gila Bend, taxi or rideshare services like Uber or Lyft can take you to Gatlin Archaeological Park. The ride is short and typically costs between $5 and $15. Request a ride to 644 W Pima St, Gila Bend, AZ 85337.

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Discover more about Gatlin Archaeological Park

Gatlin Archaeological Park offers a glimpse into the lives of the Hohokam people, who thrived in the Gila Bend area between AD 800 and 1200. The site, once a village and ceremonial center for approximately 500 people, features remnants of pit houses, ball courts, and a platform mound. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1964, the park is undergoing development to become a regional cultural center. The Hohokam were skilled farmers who utilized canal irrigation to cultivate crops in the arid Sonoran Desert. The Gatlin site was strategically located along a major Hohokam trade route, which contributed to its prominence. The site contains two ceremonial ball courts and one of the earliest platform mounds known. The platform mound, used for ceremonial purposes, is one of the few excavated and documented Sedentary Period platform mounds still relatively intact. While the archaeological site itself is not currently open to the public, the Gila Bend Visitor Center and Museum displays some artifacts recovered from the Gatlin Site. The museum is open seven days a week and offers tourist information, maps, and reading material. Future plans for the park include a replica of the platform mound, exhibits on the Sonoran Desert flora and fauna, and an on-site museum.

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