Donna Reiner, a local historian and a good friend of Get Your PHX, has written many articles over the years for the Arizona Republic and others about Phoenix history and memorials. This month, she is sharing her article on the Pueblo Grande, a point of pride for Phoenix.
We use her services when we list properties of historic significance to help us tell the stories behind the homes.
We are happy that Donna is allowing us to re-publish some of her articles on a monthly basis. If you or your business ever needs a historian, let Donna know at laydeescholar “at” hotmail.com.
Exploring in Phoenix, you may have encountered signs that state: Phoenix Point of Pride. Some of those signs are in nearly pristine condition, but others need some loving care. But did you ever ask yourself, what are those signs all about?
In the 1990s, Phoenix created a commission whose charge was to honor outstanding landmarks within the city’s boundaries. Residents submitted their choices, votes were taken, and over the course of five different campaigns and 15+ years, Phoenix settled on 31 Points of Pride.
One of those points which speaks to the history of the area and how we manage to survive in the desert is Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park. Located at 44th Street and Washington and conveniently across the street from a light rail stop, Pueblo Grande Museum is the only National Historic Landmark in Phoenix (quite the honor).
For those who are new to the area or have not yet visited Pueblo Grande Museum, a bit of history is in order. In 1924, Judge Thomas Armstrong, Jr. donated the land where the ruins are to the city. He wanted to ensure that the ruins would be protected so residents would know more about the area’s pre-history and additional research could be conducted. Five years later and a museum opened on the site. The city hired an archaeologist to help manage the area. That archaeologist was the first city archaeologist in the US.
Work continued on the construction of the building using adobe blocks made on site, scrambling for other supplies from deteriorating buildings, and $14.95 worth of nails. The building was completed in 1935, although upgrades, additions, and renovations have occurred to better display and protect the artifacts found on the property as well as other archaeological digs conducted throughout the city.
Our city archaeologist is quite busy and makes sure that site evaluations are done when necessary. So it’s 90 years since the museum opened and Pueblo Grande has a lot to share with the public. During this year long celebration, visitors have the opportunity to see some of the museum’s “treasures” in two sites other than the museum (but don’t forget to visit there too as some of those scrounged building supplies are on display in the 90th anniversary exhibit).
One site is in Sky Harbor Airport’s Terminal Three where you can see baskets and pots. The other site is in the Gallery@City Hall (200 W. Washington). In this exhibit you can enjoy seeing some of the “finds” in the various digs conducted downtown. From a headstone marker found in a privy in Heritage Square to metal knuckles found in the Pioneer and Military Cemetery, or arrowheads found in Block 22 to a tiny carved bead in a light rail excavation, you’ll be surprised by what is on display. Pueblo Grande Museum truly deserves to be called a Point of Pride.
While the Point of Pride Program no longer exists, the landmarks have endured for all of us to enjoy. Now watch for those signs and stop and visit.
