Phoenix, Arizona is steeped in history. Here are 16 facts that tell the story of Phoenix’s past:
1. In 1863, Phoenix was officially founded as an agricultural community along the Salt River Valley.
2. The city was named after a mythical bird which rose from its own ashes in Greek mythology – a symbol of the city’s resilience.
3. Phoenix was incorporated as a city in 1881, and it quickly became an important railroad hub in the region.
4. The first schoolhouse in Phoenix opened its doors in 1885, beginning the city’s legacy of providing educational opportunities for generations to come.
5. In 1912, Phoenix was designated as the capital of Arizona.
6. During World War II, Phoenix’s economy was greatly impacted by its importance as a training center for military personnel and a center of defense industry production.
7. By 1950, the population of Phoenix had grown to over 100,000 people – making it one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States at that time.
8. In 1989, Phoenix was the first city in Arizona to host a major sports team when it announced its award of an expansion franchise for Major League Baseball.
9. In 1996, Phoenix became home to America’s first light rail system, providing transportation around the city and connecting Phoenix to some of its suburbs.
10. In 2008, Phoenix celebrated its centennial anniversary, making it one of the oldest cities in the Southwestern United States.
11. fact shows that Phoenix was the capital of Arizona Territory, established in 1863. This was important because it provided a central location for political and commerce to flourish in the region.
12. Phoenix was the first city in the world to use a dam for water storage and irrigation. The Tempe Dam, built in 1911, was the first of its kind and it helped to bring water to the area’s desert landscape, aiding in the growth of Phoenix.
13.Phoenix held air races from 1928-1959 called The National Championship Air Races. This event was significant as it brought people from all over the world to witness what aviation had achieved in such a short time.
14.The Phoenix Zoo opened in 1962 and was the first of its kind in Arizona. The Phoenix Zoo was created to serve as an educational resource for people in the area and a space for animals to be taken care of and protected.
15. Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport was dedicated in 1935, and it was the first of its kind for Arizona. Sky Harbor is one of the busiest airports in the United States and serves millions of passengers each year.
16. Phoenix saw an influx of population growth after World War II, which resulted in rapid economic expansion. This allowed Phoenix to become a center for business, finance and commerce for
Phoenix’s historical facts demonstrate a city that has progressed through difficult times and come out on top as a thriving metropolis. The facts also show that Phoenix is a city of firsts, pioneering many new initiatives and leading the way for other cities to follow. From its settlement in 1867 to its centennial in 2008, Phoenix has been integral in the development of Arizona and the Southwest. Its unique facts make it an interesting place to visit and explore.
