Governor Hunt Tomb: A Desert Pyramid

Resting atop a prominent hill in Papago Park, the Governor Hunt Tomb is a unique landmark in Phoenix, Arizona. This white, pyramid-shaped tomb marks the final resting place of George W.P. Hunt, Arizona's first governor, who served a record seven terms. Hunt, known as a friend of the common man, had the tomb built in 1931 for his wife, Helen, and was interred there himself in 1934. The tomb's design is believed to have been influenced by the Egyptomania of the 1930s, sparked by the discovery of King Tutankhamen's tomb. Constructed of concrete and faced with white ceramic tiles, the pyramid stands approximately 20 feet tall and is visible from various points within Papago Park. A wrought iron fence surrounds the tomb.Today, visitors can access the tomb via a short walk from a small parking lot. The site offers panoramic views of the Phoenix skyline, the Phoenix Zoo, and the surrounding desert landscape. Plaques near the tomb share information about Hunt's life and accomplishments, including his support for women's suffrage. The Governor Hunt Tomb was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008.