Since I was a kid, I loved seeing ruins and exploring abandoned places. It’s always so fascinating to imagine what the place was like just after it was built and for the years just before it was left abandoned and in ruins. There are certainly plenty of ruins in Arizona including the Pueblo ruins at Tuzigoot National Monument and the Wupatki ruins at Wupatki National Monument. There are also historic dam ruins you can view just outside of Phoenix.

In 1926, a steel truss bridge was built across the Gila River southeast of Phoenix along US-80, now Old Highway 80. Today, you can still drive over the bridge.
Jeyanthi Ebenezer/Google Reviews
Aside from the bridge, there's another historic attraction that draws visitors, explorers, and photographers to the area. That place is the Historic Gillespie Dam.
David Shu/Google Reviews
Some places truly stand the test of time while others, not so much. There are countless man-made structures around the world that have been left standing for hundreds, if not thousands, of year.
Teresa J/Google Reviews

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And then there's the Gillespie Dam. Located in Arlington, Arizona, a census-designated area southwest of Phoenix, this dam is an example of a failed project. However, it's quite fascinating to see its ruins.
Arty Jacobs/Google Reviews
Gillespie Dam was built over the Gila River in Arlington. Made of concrete, it was built by rancher Fran Gillespie in 1921 for irrigation to local farms.
Ricardo Ramirez Perales/Google Reviews
Before its partial collapse in 1993 due to water overflow from rainstorms, it measured 1,700 feet across the river with arch supports along its full length. The dam is also 20 feet high.
Ray Mora/Google Reviews
Gillespie Dam is utterly impressive and, along with the Gillespie Dam Bridge, certainly worth a stop to view the ruins as well as the scenery.
scott mckenzie/Google Reviews

Have you seen the Historic Gillespie Dam yet? What other historic ruins in Arizona have you had a chance to see? Tell us about them in the comments. You can visit the AZDOT website for more information on the Gillespie Dam Bridge. If you plan on taking a road trip to see the Gillespie Dam, check out the Ultimate Road Trip Packing List before you go!

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Gillespie Dam, Arlington, AZ 85322, USA