Tuzigoot is the remnant of a prehistoric Sinagua Indian pueblo constructed between 1125 and 1400 A.D. The pueblo is located on the summit of a steep hill overlooking the Verde River, one of the few permanent streams in Arizona. The Sinagua were sedentary farmers who appeared to have practiced floodwater agriculture. The pueblo originally had 86 ground floor rooms, some with two-stories, that were entered through roof openings using ladders. In the early 1400s the pueblo was vacated for unknown reasons.

Tuzigoot National Monument, administered by the National Park Service, is two miles north of Cottonwood, Arizona, off Alternate Rte. 89. The monument and museum are open daily 8:00am to 7:00pm (Memorial Day-Labor Day); 8:00am to 5:00pm the rest of the year. Please call 928-634-5564, or visit the park's website for further information.

Credits and Sources:

National Park Service. "Discover Our Shared Heritage American Southwest, A National Register of Historic Places Travel Itinerary: List of Sites." http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/amsw/sitelist.htm.