Karl Cordova, Superintendent (520) 723-3172
Casa Grande Ruins Offers Free Admission and Special Events
For Presidents Day Weekend - February 15-17, 2014
COOLIDGE, AZ- Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, along with all other National Park sites, joins the Nation in honoring Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln with free admission for all visitors on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. "The holiday weekend provides the perfect opportunity to visit the Monument and contemplate the courage and innovation of great men in history," stated Superintendent Karl Cordova. "These two presidents as well as many other brave people in our nation's past helped to create an United States of which we are proud."
On Saturday, Feb. 15, the park will host Ranger Al Watson from the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, and William Islas rom Presidio San Agustin Del Tucson, who will present talks, host special film showings, and have hands-on exhibits about the Anza Expedition. These special programs will occur at 11 am and 2 pm with the hands on gear available from 11am to 3pm. In 1775-76 Anza led more than 240 men, women, and children on an epic journey to settle in California. They travelled overland into California from Sonora, Mexico.
On Sunday, February 16 and Monday, Feb. 17, Amos Hasken will be demonstrating the making of arrows and other traditional Native American weapons as well as decorative jewelry in the park's visitor center atrium. Mr. Hasken will also have items he has created for sale.
Western National Parks Association (WNPA) supports Casa Grande Ruins National Monument through book and gift sales in their store in the visitor center. WNPA will offer a 15% discount on all sales on fee free days. This discount applies to all park visitors, not just veterans and active military.
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument protects the multi-story 'Great House' and the ruins of other ancient structures built by the people of the Sonoran Desert over 800 years ago. Established as the nation's first archeological reserve in 1892, the Ruins sparked the beginning of the archeological preservation movement in America. The Monument is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Directions and additional information are available on the Monument's website, https://www.nps.gov/cagr, or you may call (520) 723-3172.
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Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
