Cultural resources of the Santa Rita Experimental Range

Abstract

The Santa Rita Experimental Range is a vast open space with few signs of houses or human habitation, but at one time it was quite the opposite scene. Archaeological surface inspections reveal heavy use of the Range dating back hundreds of years. This paper will review the history of cultural resource management on the Range and provide a timeline of local cultural history pertinent to understanding the cultural landscape on the west flank of the Santa Rita Mountains. An archaeological site inventory done by Cynthia Buttery in 1985 and 1986 will be the central focus of this paper. Buttery's work provides an important picture of land use on the Range over 800 years ago by Hohokam farmers. The paper will conclude with comments on cultural resource management and research opportunities on the Santa Rita Experimental Range.

Parent Publication

• Santa Rita Experimental Range: 100 years (1903 to 2003) of accomplishments and contributions; conference proceedings; 2003 October 30-November 1; Tucson, AZ

Citation

Madsen, John H. 2003. Cultural resources of the Santa Rita Experimental Range. In: McClaran, Mitchel P.; Ffolliott, Peter F.; Edminster, Carleton B., tech. coords. Santa Rita Experimental Range: 100 years (1903 to 2003) of accomplishments and contributions; conference proceedings; 2003 October 30-November 1; Tucson, AZ. Proc. RMRS-P-30. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 68-79.