Spanish missionaries first came to the area of Sacaton in 1696. The name was chosen because of the very tall grass that was found in the area. As of 2000, the population is listed as 1,584. The census designated area is located on US-Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson.
School aged children living in Sacaton are served by an Elementary (serving grades PreK-5) and Middle School (grades 6-8), of Sacaton Elementary District #18. Located within ten miles of Sacaton, additional public educational opportunities are available at Ira H. Hayes High School (grades 9-12), Vechij Himdag Alternative School, (grades 7-12). Casa Blanca Community School (grades K-4) and Casa Blanca Middle School (grades 5-8) are located in Bapchule, also located within the Gila River Indian Community.
The area of Sacaton, covers about three square land miles and serves as the capital of the Gila River Indian Community. Tribal administrative offices and departments are located in Sacaton. The Gila River Indian Community (http://www.gilariver.org/ ) located approximately 34 miles south of the Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, Arizona. The Community was established in 1859, and formally established by Congress in 1939.
The community is home for members of both the Akimel O’odham (Pima) and the Pee-Posh (Maricopa) Native American tribes. The reservation covers more than 580 square miles, and according to the census of 2000, has a population of more than 11,000 people. It is made up of seven districts along the Gila River and its largest communities are Sacaton, Komatke, Santan, and Blackwater .
There is plenty to see and do within the boundaries of the community. Visitors can experience a variety of attractions. The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa is one of the finest resorts in Indian country. Horseback riding, trail rides and outdoor events are available at Koli Equestrian Center. Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass is Arizona’s largest western-themed attraction. For golf enthusiasts, three 18-hole golf courses are provided. The third golf course formerly Williams Air Force Base Golf Course in Mesa, AZ is now owned and operated by Gila River Indian Community.
The three Las Vegas-style gaming casinos of Gila River Casinos offers slots, poker, keno, black jack, bingo, the latest in entertainment and outstanding food choices. The Bob Bondurant Professional School of High Performance Driving, the world’s finest driving school features a 15 turn, 1.6 mile road course, designed for high performance race car driving and advanced driving instruction. Firebird International Raceway, home of NHRA Checker Schuck’s Kragen National Event.
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