About Phoenix

Born From an Ancient Culture

For more than 1,000 years, the Hohokam people lived on the land that would become Phoenix. The Hohokam was an ancient culture that carried out extensive trade with nearby tribes, including the Anasazi and Mogollon. Their greatest contribution, however, was the establishment of over 135 miles of canals built in order to make the harsh desert land suitable for growing crops. The Hohokam eventually abandoned the area around 1300-1450 because of long periods of drought.

The year 1866 saw a small camp form on the south side of the Salt River (now Tempe). This was the first permanent settlement in the valley since the decline of the Hohokam. This settlement was formed by Hispanic workers from Fort McDowell—the US Army’s camp located along the Verde River. The camp was formed in 1865 to quell Native American uprisings.

In 1867, a man named Jack Swilling observed the abandoned river valley and its potential for farming. The terrain and climate were ideal—the only problem was a regular source of water. It was the existence of the long-gone Hohokam cultures canals that made Swilling’s dream of farming become a reality. He had a series of canals built that followed the ancient tribe’s existing system. The area flourished. Many names for the new community formed, but it was Lord Darrell Duppa that suggested it be named “Phoenix,” as it described a city born from the ruins of a former civilization.

The city of Phoenix was later incorporated in 1881 with an estimated population of 2,500. In 1912, Phoenix became the capital of the newly formed state of Arizona. By 1950, the population had grown to an estimated 100,000 people. Like many cities in the American west, it has endured its share of fires, floods, and crime sprees. It is now a thriving metropolitan city with many things to offer both residents and visitors.

For help planning your vacation, check out the following informative links:

Lodging 
The choices in the area are endless. You’re guaranteed to find the perfect accommodations for your Phoenix vacation.

Restaurants 
Phoenix has a great selection of dining choices offering up a variety of cuisine from around the world.

Activities 
Make your Phoenix vacation one you’ll remember forever. Rafting is just one of many fun and exciting activities to try. Spend some relaxing time at a spa or get out and enjoy the scenery on a hike or horseback ride.

Salt River Canyon: Endless Recreation

There is no end to the list of activities and attractions near Phoenix, AZ. For excursions outside the city, you can hike or take a whitewater rafting trip through the Salt River Canyon, visit Saguaro National Park, or walk through history at the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument.

If staying close to the city is more to your liking, take some time to shop in Scottsdale, walk amongst the natural rock formations in Papago Park, visit history itself at Tovrea Castle, catch an exciting baseball game during Spring Training, or take in NASCAR race at Phoenix International Raceway.

Don’t forget to visit many other vacation towns and destinations on your Phoenix, AZ vacation, including Tucson, Globe, Sedona, and Flagstaff.