depletion as a possibility for its fall, but still contends that abandonment also occurred in nearby cultures that were less dependent on irrigation. Fagan notes that this time coincides with the Medieval Warm Period, which might have caused droughts. Fagan also suggests that the people continued farming in a much less organized manner or relocated according to remaining irrigation canals. Haury maintains that Snaketown was deserted around 1100 CE while Fagan uses the later dates of 1150–1450. Several texts maintain that its population increased until the dispersal of its population. The dispersal could have occurred quickly and violently, as the archaeological record indicates the burning of many buildings at the same time. Re-colonization and Snaketown In 1865, the United States Cavalry created Camp McDowell in the general vicinity of Snaketown. In 1867, a retired soldier began the Swilling Irrigating and Canal Company on the remains of the ancient canals. As the company succeeded, a settlement began to form, which was eventually dubbed “Phoenix” after the mythological Phoenix creature that is reborn from its own remains. See also Casa Grande Ruins National Monument List of national monuments of the United States Mesa Grande Pueblo Grande Ruin and Irrigation Sites Oasisamerica cultures List of National Historic Landmarks in Arizona National Register of Historic Places listings in Pinal County, Arizona References Selected books and monographs Crown, Patrica L. and Judge, James W, editors. Chaco & Hohokam: Prehistoric Regional Systems in the American Southwest. School of American Research Press, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 1991. . Emil W. Haury 1976. The Hohokam Desert Farmers and CraftsmenExcavations at Snaketown, 1964–65. The University of Arizona Press, Tucson. Gladwin, Harold S. and Winifred; Haury; and Sayles 1938. “Excavations at Snaketown: Material Culture.” Medallion Papers. Gila Pueblo, Globe, Arizona. Reprinted 1965 by the University of Arizona Press, Tucson. The National Parks: Index 2001–2003. Washington: U.S. Department of the Interior. External links NPS Hohokam Pima National Monument Poster presentation: The Irrigation Canals at Snaketown Settlement Snaketown Red-on-buff jar (scroll down) – excavated near Gila Pueblo. National Park Service National Monuments in Arizona Hohokam Gila River Indian Community Native American history of Arizona Archaeological sites on the National Register of Historic Places in Arizona Archaeological sites in Arizona National Historic Landmarks in Arizona Civilian Conservation Corps in Arizona Former populated places in Arizona 1972 establishments in Arizona Protected areas established in 1972 Protected areas of Pinal County, Arizona Ruins in the