Lecture to explore Gila River’s role in Arizona history

The Gila River and its role in shaping Arizona will be the focus of an upcoming Heritage Lecture Series by the P.W. Litchfield Heritage Center at Goodyear City Hall.

Christine Reid will present “The History and Mystery of the Gila River” from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, July 17, in the City Council Chambers at 1900 N. Civic Square. The event is free and open to the public. It is made possible by Arizona Humanities.

Reid has worked as a writer and researcher with the Pinal County Historical Museum and as a community scholar with the Anthem at Merrill Ranch continuing education program. Her work often focuses on lesser-known aspects of Arizona’s history.

The lecture will follow the Gila River’s course from its origins in central New Mexico through eastern and southern Arizona, ending at its confluence with the Colorado River. The presentation will include geological information, including the river’s prehistoric environment, and discuss early human settlements that relied on the river for agriculture and other needs.

Reid will also reference field journals, personal accounts, and historical records from missionaries, explorers, and settlers who traveled along the river. The program will examine the Gila River’s historical uses in transportation, agriculture and recreation.

Visit pwlhc.org/events/ for more information.