Carl Chapman

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Cocopah

The Cocopah Indian Land is 13 miles south of Yuma and 15 miles north the San Luis, Mexico in Yuma County. It is at an elevation of 103 feet. Today, the tribe has 750 members.

President Woodrow Wilson established the Cocopah Indian Lands in 1917 through an Executive Order. The land created two sections, the West and East Cocopah Indian Lands covering 1,772 acres. In 1985, President Reagan signed the Cocopah Land Acquisition Bill. This bill increased the size of the Indian Land by almost 6,000 acres, including 600 acres of the North Cocopah Indian Lands.

In 1987, a convenience store, gas station, smoke shop and bingo hall were developed. These establishments were built to help the tribe become self-sufficient. Soon afterward, a casino and the Cocopah Bend Recreational Vehicle Resort were constructed.

Today, the Indian Lands are divided up into three separate areas, East Cocopah Indian Lands, West Cocopah Indian Lands and North Cocopah Indian Lands. The tribal headquarters is in Somerton.

Indian Arts:
The Cocopah are known for their beadwork. An 1800’s Cocopah Indian Village can be seen after taking a train excursion from Yuma to Cocopah West Indian Lands. Yuma Valley Live Steamers work with the tribe in creating this train line. The village welcomes visitors with jewelry sales and Indian fry bread.

Cocopah Land Acquisition Day April

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Fort Yuma-Quechan

The Fort Yuma-Quechan (pronounced Kwuh-tsan) Indian Lands extends on both sides of the Colorado River, just north of Yuma. It borders the states of Arizona, California, and Mexico. Interstate 8 cuts through the middle of the Indian Land. Currently, there are 2,450 members.

The Quechan believe Kumastamxo, a god, used his spear to pierce the earth causing the Colorado River to flow. The Yuma or Quechan Indians have for centuries fought against the Papago, Apache, and others for control of their land along the Colorado River. Their determination has caused the Quechan to be known as the “fighters.”
Today, the Indian Land covers 43,589 acres of those 700 acres have been leased to a non-Indian farmer. A sand and gravel lease was also given to a non-Indian corporation to develop. The tribe enjoys the tourism and business in the area by operating R.V. parks, a bingo hall, a seasonal parking lot for entry into Mexico and a grocery store.

Attractions:
The Quechan Indian Museum is in Yuma near Interstate 8. The museum’s goal is to preserve the culture and heritage of the Quechan tribe.

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Tohono O’odham

Tohono O’odham Indian Lands

Location:
The Tohono O’odham Indian Lands is in Southern Arizona and extends into the northern portion of Mexico. The reservation lies in Maricopa, Pinal and Pima Counties. The tribe is separated into four Indian lands, which is about the same size as the state of Connecticut. The tribe has 18,061 members.

History:
Before settlers came to this area, the Papago Indians were a peaceful culture. They did not believe in violence; although if provoked they would attack. The Papago could become fierce warriors and many times proved victorious in battle.
A tradition that made the Papago different from many other Indian tribes was their ceremony after the killing of another. Whenever a member of the Papago tribe killed another human being, he had to go through a sixteen-day purification ritual. This had to be completed before the tribe would welcome him back.
The primary portion of Tohono O’odham Indian Land covers 2,773,050 acres and was established in December 1882. This piece of land is stretches 90 miles across southern Arizona and into the northern part of Mexico. The San Xavier Indian Lands with 71,000 acres was created in July 1874. This section of the Indian Land is located near Tucson. The two other pieces, Gila Bend Indian Lands with 10,000 acres and Florence Village with 20 acres were established later. Gila Bend is to the north of the main section of the Tohono O’odham Indian Lands and Florence Village is just west of the town of Florence.
In 1986, the tribe officially changed their name from Papago to Tohono O’odham. The tribe had never considered themselves Papago meaning, “bean people.” They had always used the name Tohono O’odham meaning “desert people.” During the name change, they also adopted a new constitution. The constitution created three branches of government, which mimics the United States government organization.
Today, the Tohono O’odham Indians are involved in agriculture, retail-tourism and cattle raising. The Indian Land welcomes economic growth and has developed an industrial park to encourage business. The tribal headquarters is located in the town of Sells.

Indian Arts:
The Tohono O’odham Indian tribe is known for their pottery and basketry.

Attractions:
The National Historic Landmark of the Mission San Xavier del Bac is one of the most beautiful missions in the Southwest. The Tohono O’odham Indians have used it continuously for more than two centuries. The mission is known to many, as the “White Dove of the Desert.”

Kitt Peak Observatory has 18 telescopes in operation, including one of the largest optical telescopes in North America. There is a paved road to the summit, where visitors can also enjoy a picnic. The National Science Foundation owns the observatory and includes a Visitor Center and museum.

The land is home to the Desert Diamond Casino.

Annual Tohono O’odham All-Indian Rodeo and Fair October

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Indian Lands

Arizona ‘s Native American history began long ago, with the Hohokam, Anasazi and the Sinagua people. These cultures can be traced back hundreds and hundreds of years. Some of these tribes simply disappeared and others have evolved into the Indian Tribes we see today.

Since that long ago beginning, the Indian community has been through its share of difficult times. When settlers and miners first arrived in Arizona , many of the Native American’s did not approve of their infringement on the land. Wars and raiding broke out across the region. After years of battle, the Native American’s were forced onto Indian Reservations.

In 1859, Congress established the first Indian Land in Arizona and named it the Gila River Indian Land. Between 1859 and 1934, Indians were mistreated and their land was taken away from them and then portions returned. Finally in 1934, Congress passed the Indian Reorganization Act. This Act did several things for the Indian culture. First of all, it ended the allotment of land, gave Indians the right and limited means to hire counsel and banned compulsory religion. It also promoted traditional Indian handicrafts and encouraged tribes to set up governments and form corporate business charters. However, it wasn’t until 1948 that the Indians were allowed to vote, provided the individual knew English.

I have consciously used the word “Indian Lands”in place of the word “Reservation.”It is a small gesture showing honor and respect to these Indian tribes. The term honors the tribe’s ownership in their culture and land.

Today Arizona has 27% of its land devoted to Indian Lands, totaling 20,000,000 acres. Arizona has more Indian Land than any other state. Currently, there are about 252,000 Indians representing 17 tribes living on 20 Indian Lands spread out across Arizona .

the following information will give you a quick look at all 20 Indian Lands and the people that live on them. If you would like more in depth information on a particular Indian Tribe, click on the name of the Indian Tribe.

the Ak-Chin Indian Lands is located along the Santa Cruz River Valley in Pinal County. It is 30 miles south of Phoenix. The Ak- Chin people live on 21,840 acres and the tribe has 575 members. The land is home for the Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino. The Cocopah Indian Lands is 13 miles south of Yuma and 15 miles north the San Luis, Mexico in Yuma County. The tribe lives on 6.009 acres and has 774 members. The Cocopah people have many businesses. They have opened a convenience store, smoke shop, bingo hall, recreational vehicle park, Cocopah Casino and gas station. The Colorado River Indian Lands has land in both Arizona and California. The tribe holds 225,995 acres in La Paz County, Arizona . The Mohave Indians have lived here for centuries, however the Chemehuevi, Hopi and Navajo Indians were relocated here back in history. Currently, there is a population of 3,1000. The Mohave Indians are known for their handicrafts and the Chemehuevi for their powwows. The Fort Apache Indian Lands is in the White Mountains of Arizona . The land covers part of Apache, Gila and Navajo Counties.

It is 150 miles from Phoenix. The Apaches live on 1,664,984 acres and have 10,000 members. The land has been turned into a recreational spot. The tribe has Sunrise Ski Resort and the Salt River Canyon for attractions and recreation. Fort McDowell Mohave-Apache Indian Lands is along the banks of the Verde River in Maricopa County. It is 15 miles from Phoenix. The Indian Lands contain 24,680 acres and has 849 members. The tribe hosts recreational activities by the Verde River and the Fort McDowell Gaming Center is situated close to Fountain Hills. Fort Mojave Indian Lands lies in California, Nevada and Arizona . The land is in Mohave County with 12 miles of the Colorado River running through it. It has 22,820 acres and 1,000 members. Farming cotton and alfalfa is important to the tribe, along with the Spirit Mountain Casino and recreation areas near the Colorado River. Fort Yuma-Quechan Indian Lands is just north of Yuma. The Indian Land has 43,589 acres and 2,419 members. The tribe opened Paradise Casino and has recreational spots by the Colorado River. The Gila River Indian Lands is in Central Arizona , south of Phoenix. It is within Maricopa and Pinal Counties. The land includes 372,000 acres. The Indian Lands include both Pima and Maricopa Indians, totaling 11,550 members. It is home to Lone-Butte Industrial Park, Firebird Lake Water Sports World, Gila River Arts and Crafts Center and the Gila River Casino. Havasupai Indian Lands is located at the bottom of Havasu Canyon in the Grand Canyon. It is in both Coconino and Navajo Counties. The land includes 188,077 acres and 601 members. Tourism is improving the tribe’s living standards, although it is difficult. This is due, in part, to the fact that there are few ways into and out of the community. Travel can only be done by foot, horse or helicopter.

The Hopi Indian Lands is in Northern Arizona . It is in both the Coconino and Navajo Counties. The tribe’s land measures 1,561,213 acres and includes 8,114 members. The tribe is known for their handicrafts, such as Kachinas and pottery. The Hopi’s also publicize some of their ceremonial dances. The Hualapai Indian Lands is near the Grand Canyon. The Hualapai are in Coconino and Mohave Counties. The Indian Lands covers 992,463 acres and includes 1,400 members. The tribe offers the Hualapai Arts and Crafts Center, Hualapai Tribal River Runners and recreational areas. The Kaibab-Paiute Indian Lands is in Northern Arizona , near the Utah border. The Indian Lands is in Mohave County. The tribe’s land contains 120,827 acres and has 200 members. They have a visitor center and a gift shop near the Pipe Spring National Monument. Navajo Indian Lands is in Northern Arizona , near the state of New Mexico. A portion of the reservation lies in Apache, Coconino and Navajo Counties. It is the largest Indian Land in the United States. The tribe encompasses 4,775,068 acres and has 175,000 members. Many of the Navajo people live on farms. The Indian Lands includes Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Monument Valley, Four Corners and the Navajo National Monument.

the Pascua Yacqui Indian Land is south of Tucson and is the newest Indian Land in Arizona .

It is in Pima County. The tribe includes 895 acres and has 8,000 members. The Yacqui Indian Land is home to the Casino of the Sun. The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Lands is minutes from Phoenix. It is in Maricopa County. The tribe includes 55,801 acres and has 5,527 members. The members are a combination of the Pima and Maricopa Indian tribes. Both of these Indian communities live on the Indian Lands. The land hosts recreation along the Salt River, a waste disposal operation, a sand and gravel plant and the Pavilions shopping center. San Carlos Apache Indian Land is in Eastern Arizona . The Indian Land is in Gila and Graham Counties. The tribe’s land encompasses 1,826,541 acres and has 10,000 members. The San Carlos people raise cattle, mine gemstones and provide recreational spots in the area. San Juan Southern Paiute Indians are a special tribe. This tribe has no acreage, but has 209 members. Most of these members live in Coconino County. The people are called Paiute-Navajo Indians.

The Tohono O’odham Indian Lands is in Southern Arizona . The Indian Lands lies in Maricopa, Pinal and Pima Counties. The tribe is separated into four Indian lands: the Tohono O’odham Reservation with 2,773,050 acres, Gila Bend Reservation with 10,000 acres, San Xavier Reservation with 71,000 acres and Florence Village with 200 acres. The tribe numbers 18,061. The tribe was once called the Papago, until 1986 when the name was changed to Tohono O’odham. The Indian Lands hold the Desert Diamond Casino, the National Historic Landmark of Mission San Xavier del Bac, farming and mining. The Tonto-Apache Indian Lands is in Northern Arizona , near Payson. The tribe is in Gila County. The Indian Land includes 85 acres and 103 members. The Yavapai and Apache Indians live on this land. The land hosts the Mazatzal Casino and recreational spots. Yavapai-Apache (Camp Verde) Indian Lands is also in Northern Arizona . The Indian Lands covers only 653 acres with 1,200 members. The Yavapai and Apaches live on the Indian Lands together. The tribe has the Cliff Castle Casino, two National Monuments (Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot), along with the Yavapai-Apache Visitor Activity Center. Yavapai-Prescott Indian Lands is still another Northern Arizona Indian Lands. This tribal land adjoins the town of Prescott. The tribe holds 1,400 acres and 139 members. The Yavapai operate Bucky’s Casino and are developing their handicrafts

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Ajo Arizona

Ajo is in Southern Arizona. It is in Pima County. The town is located on State Highway 85, almost directly west of Tucson and just 43 miles from the Mexican border. You can get to Ajo from Tucson by taking State Highway 86 west out of town. Continue on State Highway 86 to the town of Why, where you will travel on State Highway 85 right into Ajo. If you are coming from Phoenix, you will take Interstate 10 west out of town. When you reach the turn for State Highway 85 take it and head south. You will continue on State Highway 85, until you come to Ajo. It is approximately 100 miles south of Phoenix.

Overview

Ajo is a small, unincorporated town surrounded by beautiful desert landscapes. It began as a mining town in the early 1900’s. Today Ajo’s population is 2,900. The town sits an elevation of 1,747 feet. The climate is moderate. There is low humidity, blue skies and pure air. The average temperatures range from 84 degrees to 59 degrees. There is lots of natural beauty to take in around Ajo. Ajo is built around a beautiful park plaza with towering palm trees and year round greenery. At the end of your day in Ajo, you will be enchanted by the magnificent sunsets that spread out over the town.

Community Features

You will discover two terrific attractions in and around Ajo. The Ajo Historical Museum is a great spot to go to learn more about the history of this mining town. The museum also has unique displays for you to see. Another attraction, which is just a short drive away from Ajo is Rocky Point, Mexico. Rocky Point is a popular beach town by the Gulf of Mexico. There are lots of fun activities to participate in when you are visiting this small Mexican town.
There a several outdoor activities you will enjoy seeing when visiting Ajo. The Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge is a terrific place to see the protected bighorn sheep. This land protects many other wildlife and includes mountains and valleys. The Organ Pipe National Monument serves as a habitat for many plants and wildlife in the Sonoran Desert. Visitors will also see a great number of Organ Pipe cacti growing in the monument.

Ajo Historical Museum

The Ajo Historical Museum gives visitors an opportunity to see Ajo’s beginnings. The museum is located in the old Saint Catherine’s Indian Mission. The museum was developed in 1975, in response to the need to preserve the treasures of Ajo’s past.
The museum consists of two main rooms. One room is in honor of General John C. Greenway, who was instrumental in getting Ajo on the map. Greenway was a Rough Rider and created the mine in town. He was also selected as the first citizen in Arizona to be represented by a statue in the Statuary Hall of the United States Capitol Building. At the museum, you will see photos and artifacts that retell the story of the town’s past.

The second room is sectioned off by topic, ranging from mining and cowboys to Native Indians. Visitors will see gemstones, mineral samples, a packsaddle, spurs, Navajo blankets and arrow points. There is a special spot in the museum that houses a variety of United States flags, which is very unique.
The Ajo Historical Museum has a gift shop for you to browse through during your visit.
The Ajo Historical Museum is open everyday during the winter, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Summer hours are by appointment only. If you have any questions about the museum, you may call 520-387-7105.

The museum is located in the town of Ajo at 161 Mission Street. You can get to the museum from State Highway 85, by turning right onto LaMina and traveling on to Indian Village Road. Turn right on Indian Village Road and go past the Mine Overlook. When you hit a fork in the road, take the unpaved road called Mission Street and continue on to the museum.

The Ajo Historical Museum is a great place to stop and learn more about this small town.
Ajo History

A Spanish mine was developed near Ajo in the 1750, called the “Old Bat Hole”. The mineshaft was on a sixty-degree angle and about every ten feet a layer of mesquite logs four feet long and three feet wide were placed to serve as rest stations for the men carrying the ore. The miners had rawhide buckets strapped to their backs to carry up the rock. Unfortunately, it was abandoned due to Indian raids.
Then in 1847, the first American set up his mine in the Ajo area. Tom Childs came upon a deserted mine and found high-grade native copper. Ajo became the first copper mine in Arizona. Then the Ajo Copper Company organized in 1854. During this time, pack mules carried the ore to Yuma, where it was shipped down the Colorado River. Then it was sent on by boat around the Cape Horn to Swansea, Wales for smelting.

However, Ajo did not flourish. The mining town remained relatively unnoticed, until the beginning of the 1900’s. The reason for its sudden popularity was the development of new ore-refining techniques, which made mining in Ajo much easier and more profitable.
One of the first companies in Ajo was the New Cornelia Copper Company. John Campbell Greenway, who named the company after his wife in 1917, started the company. The town began to prosper. A downtown plaza was built in 1917. The plaza reveals the Spanish architecture that has influenced the town, due to its proximity to the Mexican border.

Then in 1931, the company was sold to Phelps Dodge. The company had over 1,000 men working in the mine, until 1986 when it closed down. Phelps Dodge sold many of its homes in town to retirees. Today you will find the town is a prefect retirement spot.

As for the name of the town, it is hard to pinpoint. Some say it is from the Spanish word garlic, which Mexican miners found in the area. Others say it came from the Papago Indian word for paint, because this was the area the Indians collected copper minerals to make the paint for their bodies.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Things to Do

Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge

The Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge covers 860,000 acres of beautiful desert land. The name comes from the Spanish word for black head, referring to the black lava granite peak within the refuge. The refuge is the third largest refuge in the contiguous 48 states and is the largest designated wilderness area in the contiguous 48 states. It was created in 1939, for the conservation and development of natural wildlife resources and to protect endangered wildlife. The refuge has a 56-mile common border with Mexico.

The land inside the refuge is mountainous and includes valleys, sand dunes and lava flows. The area has a wide variety of plant life. There are saguaro, creosote, ocotillo and ironwood. This is amazing because the area’s annual rainfall averages about 9 inches in the eastern section of the refuge; it dwindles to 3 inches on the western side. There are places within the refuge that can go an entire year without a single drop of rain.
The refuge protects endangered desert bighorn sheep, an endangered lesser long-nosed bat and a herd of pronghorn antelopes. Visitors might also see kangaroo rats, pocket gophers, jackrabbits, bobcat, desert tortoise, kit fox, gila monster, sidewinder snakes and lizards. There are seasons when migratory birds pass through the refuge. During this time, you might see swallows, prairie falcons and quail.
It is important to note that part of the Barry Goldwater Air Force Range airspace is located over the refuge. This requires visitors to obtain a permit before gaining passage into the wildlife refuge. Visitors may obtain a permit at the visitor center. When traveling through the refuge, it is recommended that a four-wheeled vehicle be used. Visitors are encouraged to come prepared for the desert drive. A summer time drive can be dangerous. The Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge prohibits firearms and campfires are limited.

The Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge is open Monday through Friday 7:30 to 4:30 pm. There is no admission charge to the refuge. If you would like more information on the refuge, call 520-387-6483.
The Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge is located in the town of Ajo. It is at 1611 North Second Avenue. The signs for the refuge are evident from State Highway 85, which goes through town.

Rocky Point, Mexico

Rocky Point, Mexico is a popular destination for many Arizonans. The small Mexican town is just two hours from Ajo. The name dates back to 1826, when Lieutenant Robert William Hale Hardy of the British Royal Fleet was sailing by the coast searching for pearls. He named the point Rocky Point. The name was then on marine maps. Then in the 1930, the President of Mexico changed it to Puerto Punta Penasco (Port Rocky Point). Later on, Americans dropped the “Port” from its name.

Rocky Point began as a small fishing village and has grown to a seaside resort area. Here you can bask in the sun and relax. Many people rent small cabins, camp or stay in hotels. Some people have vacation homes by the beach. Visitors also have the opportunity to participate in numerous activities. You can choose from ATV riding, fishing, jet skiing, water biking, scuba diving, snorkeling and parasailing. All of these exciting activities are located in a great spot along the Gulf of Mexico.

You can get to Rocky Point from Ajo by taking State Highway 85 south out of town and continue past the small town of Why. You will travel past the Organ Pipe National Monument and on to the border. You will arrive at the small border town of Lukeville, Arizona. Here you will cross into the town of Sonoita, Mexico. Once you cross the border, you may be flagged through or you may be asked to pull over for a search. A word to the wise: Be polite and courteous. Most importantly do not bring a firearm, it will end your trip and start your troubles. As long as you are traveling just to Rocky Point, you will not need a passport or visa. When you have crossed the border head south, until you come to a three-way intersection. Stay to the left toward Caborca. Then a block later, you will come to a “Y” in the road. Keep to the right of the “Y”. Then continue on to Rocky Point. The road between Sonoita and Rocky Point is about 50 miles long. It would be best not to travel this road at night, due to the livestock in the area.
Rocky Point is a fun place to soak in the surf and sun.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

The Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is a wonderful place to take in nature. The National Monument contains 516 square miles of undisturbed desert. One of the unique aspects of the monument is the spectacular stand of organ pipe cactus. These plants are rarely found in the United States, yet you will find lots of them growing naturally here in the Sonoran Desert. Organ pipe cactus got its name, due to its shape. Its dozens of tubular arms branch from the main stem at the ground and grow straight up for 20 or more feet forming a cluster of perpendicular pipes that resemble an organ.
It is remarkable to see that with extreme temperatures and little rainfall, plant life still grows. The area has palo verde, ironwood, cholla, ocotillo and saguaro growing profusely. There is more than just plant life at the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, you will see a variety of reptiles, mammals and more than 275 different species of birds.

You can see the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument by taking a scenic drive. The monument offers two drives on graded winding dirt roads. One drive is a 21-mile Ajo Mountain Drive, which is takes you along the foothills of the Ajo Mountains. You will see gorgeous desert sights and majestic organ pipe cactus stands. This drive takes approximately 2 hours. The other drive is the 53-mile Puerto Blanco Drive, which circles the Puerto Blanco Mountains. You will see marvelous Sonoran Desert vistas including saguaros, organ pipe cactus and elephant trees. This drive takes approximately half a day.
Visitors need to go to the Visitor Center before embarking on the trip. At the center, you will learn of the driving conditions for the day and guidebooks are available. The roads are sometimes closed due to rain, so it is advisable to call before coming out to the monument. No recreational vehicles over 25 feet or trailers are allowed on the roads. It is important to set out on the drive prepared. It is suggested that you carry emergency tools, drinking water and additional water for your vehicle. Visitors are reminded not to drive off the designated road. There are picnic areas along the drive that are ideal for taking in the views.
The Visitor Center also has exhibits on the natural history of the area, including wildlife and plants. There is also a 15-minute slide show that is offered every half hour describing the monument.
Many visitors like to go on one of the many self-guided interpretive trails that surround the campgrounds and center. Hiking is best during the months of October through April. During these months, the temperature is on the cool side. You will find a variety of hiking trails depending on your ability at the monument.

The campgrounds are found about a mile and a half from the Visitor Center. The grounds have water, restrooms, grills, tables and a dump station. There are no hookups available. The campgrounds cost $8.00 per night. The primitive campgrounds are available with a permit issued at the Visitor Center.
The Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is open everyday from 8:00 to 5:00 pm, except on Christmas. Admission to the monument is $4.00 per vehicle. If you would like more information on the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument you may call, 520-387-6849.

The Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is located just 34 miles south of Ajo. You may get to the Visitor Center from Ajo by taking State Highway 85 south out of town. When you cross into the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, continue on into the monument for approximately 17 miles. You will come upon the sign for the Visitor Center. The monument is 140 miles south of Phoenix and 145 miles west of Tucson.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][blog count=”2″ category=”food” style=”photo” columns=”2″ greyscale=”0″ filters=”0″ more=”1″ pagination=”0″][blog count=”2″ category=”food” style=”photo” columns=”2″ greyscale=”0″ filters=”0″ more=”1″ pagination=”0″][blog count=”2″ category=”information” style=”photo” columns=”2″ greyscale=”0″ filters=”0″ more=”1″ pagination=”0″][/vc_column][/vc_row]