Events at this location

1864 saw the highest numbers of emigrants cross the Great Plains to escape the immense pressures of war, to seize the opportunity to find gold, or to start afresh. One family’s adventure has been preserved in a diary, now considered an American literary treasure. Come hear how the Rousseau family from Iowa endured the journey with poison water holes, quicksand, robberies, the searing Mojave, and starvation near the snow-capped San Bernardino Mountains. Unique for the Arizona Historical Society–an exploration of the Rousseaus in the Arizona Territory. Presented by Janelle Molony, award-winning author and descendant of the Rousseau family. 

G-rated content suitable for all ages. Q&A and book signing to follow. 

Damming the Gila chronicles the history of water rights and farming activities on the Gila River Indian Reservation up to 1942. Centered on the San Carlos Irrigation Project and Coolidge Dam, it details the history and development of the project, including the Gila Decree and the Winters Doctrine. Embedded in the narrative is the underlying tension between tribal growers on the reservation and upstream water users. The story underscores the idea that the Gila River Indian Community believed the San Carlos Irrigation Project was first and foremost for their benefit and how the project and the Gila Decree fell short of restoring their water and agricultural economy. Damming the Gila is the third in a trio of important documentary works, beginning with DeJong’s Stealing the Gila (2009) and followed by Diverting the Gila (2021) that tells the story of the Gila River Indian Community’s fight to regain access to their water.