SACATON — Back in the 1950s, St. Michael’s Mission served members of the Gila River Indian Reservation as a place of worship and a gathering site. But the roof leaked during the infrequent rains, and because the building was made of adobe, it began deteriorating so badly that those in charge decided to knock it down.
Next time you drive between Phoenix and Tucson, you may want to stop by the Sacaton Rest Area for more than a good stretch and a little relief.
Located on the Gila River Indian Reservation off 1-10 on Exit 181 (eastbound), this seemingly low-key rest stop holds some special historical significance.
More than 80 years ago, the federal government erected a series of stone teepees on the Gila River Reservation near Sacaton. There was probably a reason for it at the time, but today nobody knows for certain why they were built.
GLOBE — Most ancient ruins in Arizona are just that — ruins. Overseen by government agencies, they are stabilized but never rebuilt because the philosophy is to preserve, not restore. But the old pueblo here, known as Besh-Ba-Gowah, has been partially rebuilt and nobody’s getting their nose bent out of shape.
NEAR YAVA — Some of those folks in Yavapai County must have too much time on their hands. That might explain why they have painted boulders that resemble a giant frog, a giant skull and this one — a giant duck.
