Interpreting the cultural landscape of a pioneer cattle ranch in the arid southwest

Abstract

The ideas for this thesis were conceived as a result of the author's work on a cooperative agreement between the National Park Service and the Landscape Architecture Program in the School of Renewable Natural Resources, wherein the changes that have occurred on the cultural landscapes of four prehistoric or historic sites were documented. Historic cultural landscapes, especially those associated with vernacular sites have been largely overlooked in interpretive efforts. Readings revealed that vernacular cultural landscapes may serve as a form of historic documentation. These landscapes may provide additional clues regarding the history of our country to visitors of historic sites if the information is interpreted in an interesting, sensitive, and factual manner. The Blankenship/Dos Lomitas Ranch, an early 20th century cattle ranch located within the boundaries of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, is a vernacular historic site with remnants of the associated landscape intact. This landscape may hold valuable information regarding a major westward migration of American cattle ranchers during the mid to latter 19th century that had a profound effect on the ecology and culture of the Sonoran desert in southern Arizona. As a result of readings, visits to historic sites, and interviews with professionals in the field of interpretation, recommendations are made to present the story of the vernacular landscape of this pioneer cattle ranch to visitors of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.