City of Phoenix, Arizona - Amazing History

The area was settled by Indians well before anyone as a US citizen arrived to take claim to the area. Jack Swilling, a confederate soldier was farming in the White Tank Mountains in the 1850’s and speculated that the area could be used as farm land with a regular water supply. A small area was settled just East of Phoenix and that is where the growth started. People built out canals to the area of East Phoenix (the city had not been named yet)  and started to farm and inhabit the area calling their settlement “Pumpkinville”.  After much discussion of what to name the new City it was finally decided that it would be called “Phoenix” because they were building a new City from the Indian ruins that remained there. The City of Phoenix was founded in 1861 near the Salt River and eventually incorporated in 1881.

The Valley of the Sun is considered part of the Sonoran Desert. The area is abundant with Cactus and in particular one Cactus that is very famous called the Saguaro, which is a protected species.

According to a Census Bureau in 2010 the City Phoenix had roughly 1.5 million people living here and in the entire “Valley of the Sun” which includes all or most of the surrounding towns within Maricopa County with Phoenix as the hub,  there are 4.2 million people living here.

Hotel Valley Ho "then and now

 

Phoenix a Vacation Spot for Celebrities

It was a great break to get away from the colder climates for a nice warm winter stay.  Several Hotels were built near the Paradise Valley area and some of those still remain today. The Arizona Biltmore is one of those staple’s of that era and is still operational. There is also the Hotel San Carlos, the Hotel Valley Ho (seen above), The Royal Palms Resort and Spa and a little further South is the Arizona Grand Resort.

Homes in Phoenix were built over a very wide range of development through the years. Close to it’s heart in the 40’s many of the homes were without air conditioning and the water supply was used to irrigate the home lots. Some of those irrigation canals still remain today.

Air conditioning did not exist at this time. Cooling didn’t actually make it’s way to Phoenix until the 50’s when evaporative coolers (aka swamp coolers) were brought in and that changed everything. Finally it was possible to live here year round in comfort. This also allowed large companies co come to Phoenix and build manufacturing plants. Electronic Giant Motorola was one of the first.

The multiple dwelling housing built by HallCraft (John Hall who started John Hall and Associates) were some of the first apartment type housing built around the valley for business to house employees. With that more people came to the valley to live and work and so Phoenix's Growth began.

The area Water Supply is very controlled. Out water is provided from the Colorado River. Water in the Desert is key to survival and the Arizona Department of Water Resources keeps a close eye on water usage. Some area homes have Wells and depending on where you drill, you might strike water and you may not. Water conservation is a strong part of the Valley because were in the desert. Golf courses recycle their water for watering lawns so that it's re-captured. Lakes are in the area too! Some people I speak to wouldn't even think that The Valley has resources for recreational swimming and fishing but we do. Lake Pleasant, Saguaro Lake, Bartlett Lake are just a few that are near. The Salt River that feeds the Valley water is also a great place to fish and inner tube.

Today, Phoenix, AZ is the 12^th largest city in the US

There are some very cool Sports Facilities in and around Phoenix. We have the Phoenix Cardinals Football team that plays at The University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, the Phoenix Coyotes Hockey team, the World Champion Arizona Diamondbacks. The Phoenix International Raceway hosting Two NASCAR racing events annually, the Cactus League for Baseball Spring Training and so many other major events to attend. The Rock and Roll Marathon is held in Tempe, The Phoenix Open (Waste Management Open officially), The Barrett Jackson Auto Show, the International Auto Show, International Motorcycle Show, National Horse Championships, Bicycle Racing, and the list continues!

Phoenix and the Valley also have a mile long list of Area Golf Courses in all directions. most are public, some are private and very expensive. Follow this Link to see a list of those Golf Courses in and Around Phoenix. No matter what part of the Valley you choose to live in, you will always find a golf course near by.

Motorcycles are very abundant. Phoenix and the Valley are a prime location for folks to jump on a motorcycle and enjoy the riding weather. Harley Davidsons are the dominant bike. AZ Bikeweek is an event that gathers thousands of Motorcyclists from all over the country who embrace the lifestyle.

Whatever part of the Valley you decide to settle in you should be able to find most anything you are looking for and a group of people who embrace and enjoy the same types of things.

Here is a list of Phoenix Resources:

• City of Phoenix Government Page
• Maricopa County Official Page
• Arizona Registrar of Contractors
• AZ Central Local News
• Golf Information
• Visitors Guide
• Arizona Buyers Advisory

Stew Keene - Phoenix Real Estate Professional - (480) 220-7491

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