Tuzigoot National Monument, Verde Valley, Arizona (May 2024)

Tuzigoot is an ancient pueblo located in the Verde Valley of Arizona, near the town of Clarkdale. Constructed by the Sinagua people between 1000 and 1400 CE, this stone masonry structure stands on a limestone ridge overlooking the Verde River. The pueblo originally consisted of approximately 110 rooms, built primarily from local stone and mortar. Tuzigoot served as a central community for the Sinagua, who were known for their agricultural practices and extensive trade networks.
The site reflects a complex society that engaged in farming, hunting, and gathering, as well as trading with neighboring cultures such as the Hohokam and Ancestral Puebloans. Archaeological excavations have revealed a wealth of artifacts, including pottery, tools, and ornaments, indicating a rich cultural and material life.
The name "Tuzigoot" is derived from an Apache word meaning "crooked water," referring to the nearby meandering river. Today, Tuzigoot is preserved as a national monument, managed by the National Park Service, and provides valuable insights into the prehistoric Sinagua culture and their architectural ingenuity.