The Repair of Casa Grande Ruin, Arizona, in 1891

This volume opens with a detailed visual record—maps, plans, and photographs—that brings the ancient Casa Grande ruin to life for modern listeners. The author sets the stage by explaining how a modest congressional appropriation in 1889 sparked a careful, though limited, effort to stabilize the towering walls of this unique Southwest structure, and why a thorough written account was deemed essential for future scholars of American archaeology.

The narrative then guides you through the ruin’s sprawling context, describing its impressive scale amid a landscape dotted with mounds and remnants of ancient villages. You’ll hear about the challenges of defining its boundaries, the impressive 25‑foot standing walls, and the early engineering solutions—tie‑rods, underpinning, and roof plans—implemented within the constraints of the budget. Throughout, the report balances scientific observation with the palpable sense of stewardship that motivated the early preservation work.