Cashion: Archaeology and Local History

For travelers choosing a destination with an archaeological and historical profile, Cashion, Arizona, can be understood through several clearly distinct themes: an archaeological site, the founding of the settlement, and its agricultural past. The general boundary description of the Cashion District provides a spatial framework.

Archaeology and Historical Context

The Cashion archaeological site is the largest site excavated near the confluence of the Salt and Gila Rivers. In 1978, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Its connection to the rivers and its listing in the Register provide two concrete reference points for its archaeological history: a landscape context and a dated historical recognition. For choosing a destination with a cultural focus, the site can be considered alongside the history of settlement and agriculture.

Founding and Agriculture

James Angus Cashion founded Cashion, Arizona, in 1910. In 1911, Jim Cashion established a post office. In 1914, James Angus Cashion, together with F. A. Reid and J. W. Sullivan, founded the Reid-Cashion Land & Cattle Company. The dates refer to different events: the founding of the town, the establishment of a post office, and the founding of the company. Four years elapsed between the town’s founding and the company’s founding.

The agricultural past has two specific facets. The Pan American Ostrich Farm in Cashion began raising ostriches for their feathers, while the Cashion Ranch raised cattle. Thus, the use of ostrich feathers and cattle ranching represent distinct agricultural activities. For travelers interested in local history, this look at agriculture complements the dates relating to the founding, post office, and company.

Geographic Orientation in the Cashion District

The Cashion District is generally bounded by Buckeye Road to the north, Durango Street to the south, 113th Avenue to the west, and 107th Avenue to the east. These four details provide a general sense of the District’s geographic extent. The boundary description provides spatial context, while the archaeological site represents a historical focal point. This allows the name of the District and Cashion’s archaeological history to be understood as distinct aspects of the area.

Places of Local Remembrance

Residents regard the local Cashion post office as a historic and significant place that is a source of local pride. A historic Cashion sign is associated with Donnie Hale Park as a public artwork. The post office represents locally rooted pride, while the sign connects the town’s name with public art.

Along MC-85, existing silos are highly significant to families who have lived in the area for many years, and there are plans to preserve them. In local memory, the preservation goal is connected to the importance these families attach to the silos. Together with the archaeological site, settlement dates, and agricultural themes, this provides a nuanced picture of Cashion’s history.

For the broader travel overview: Avondale.