The legend of Montezuma

This picturesque backdrop for Maricopa Wells, the stone face of Montezuma, continues to sleep at the south end of the Sierra Estrellas. One legend indicated that “Montezuma” was the name of a great king and lawgiver from long ago, who ruled over a vast empire and was buried at the southern end of the Estrella Mountains. 

When Father Kino asked who built the marvelous Casa Grandes when he visited this land in the late 1600s, the natives told him that Montezuma had built them. 

Stagecoaches, wagons and travelers who passed under the sleeping stone edifice in the 1800s anticipated the moment and marveled at its creation. It was one of the main attractions for passengers when crossing the uninhabited forty miles to the next coach station at Gila Bend. 

Editor’s note:  Maricopa factoids are provided by the Maricopa Historical Society, a branch of the Friends of the Maricopa Public Library. Most of the photos and information come from “Reflections of a Desert Town” by author and historical society chairperson Patricia Brock. 

Photo courtesy of Patricia Brock