A Short History About Scottsdale, Arizona by Art Gib
Scottsdale, Arizona no longer takes a back seat to its larger neighbor to the West: the state capital Phoenix! Scottsdale is recognized worldwide as a Mecca for upscale shopping, and its 200 golf courses help to make it a true destination all on its own. Here's a short history about this remarkable little city in the desert southwest.
The entire Maricopa County region, including Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Tempe was originally inhabited by the Hohokam people who populated the area beginning in 300 BCE. This ingenious people thrived in the scorching desert heat for nearly 2000 years thanks to their methods of harnessing the scarce water supply. However, they disappeared without a trace, and archaeologists and anthropologists have not yet been able to determine the exact reason.
Although several other indigenous peoples inhabited the area since the Hohokam left, it never regained its former agrarian glory. In 1868, prospector entrepreneur and all around colorful character Jack Swilling passed through the area and saw its potential. Making use of the remnants of the ancient Hohokam canals, he started the Swilling Irrigation Canal Company and farming thrived again in the desert.
It wasn't until 20 years later that former soldier Winfield Scott arrived with his brother George Washington Scott. George Washington Scott became the very first resident of what would later become Scottsdale, Arizona. The town was not officially incorporated until 1951, and its primary economical base was industrial. Finally, Scottsdale as we know it today began to take shape just 30 years ago during the 1970's.
The huge McCormick cattle ranch on the north side of town was sold to developers, who began to build parks and upscale residential homes. Tax money began to flow into the city coffers, and the government was able to raze dilapidated buildings and revive the Old Town area adjacent to the ranch. Old Town became home to a popular arts center and excellent restaurants, and Scottsdale thrived once more.
Aging baby boomers and their well-to-do parents began coming to the desert areas for relief from the winter cold, and Scottsdale soon became a destination spot for golfers and shopping enthusiasts. The number of luxury hotels and rental properties skyrocketed, so much so that there are virtually no limits to the number of ways tourists can choose to pamper themselves when they come to the city to stay and play.
The Hohokam could never have envisioned what would become of the desert wilderness they loved so much and cultivated so hard. Scottsdale's rich history makes it a truly unique destination deep in the Arizona desert.
If you are looking for a luxurious and unique place to stay while in Scottsdale, visit Carefree Villas and Resort (http://www.luxurysuites.com/Carefree_Resort_Villas.html), a division of Scottsdale Luxury Suites. Art Gib is a freelance writer.
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Scottsdale, Arizona no longer takes a back seat to its larger neighbor to the West: the state capital Phoenix! Scottsdale is recognized worldwide as a Mecca for upscale shopping, and its 200 golf courses help to make it a true destination all on its own. Here's a short history about this remarkable little city in the desert southwest.
The entire Maricopa County region, including Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Tempe was originally inhabited by the Hohokam people who populated the area beginning in 300 BCE. This ingenious people thrived in the scorching desert heat for nearly 2000 years thanks to their methods of harnessing the scarce water supply. However, they disappeared without a trace, and archaeologists and anthropologists have not yet been able to determine the exact reason.
Although several other indigenous peoples inhabited the area since the Hohokam left, it never regained its former agrarian glory. In 1868, prospector entrepreneur and all around colorful character Jack Swilling passed through the area and saw its potential. Making use of the remnants of the ancient Hohokam canals, he started the Swilling Irrigation Canal Company and farming thrived again in the desert.
It wasn't until 20 years later that former soldier Winfield Scott arrived with his brother George Washington Scott. George Washington Scott became the very first resident of what would later become Scottsdale, Arizona. The town was not officially incorporated until 1951, and its primary economical base was industrial. Finally, Scottsdale as we know it today began to take shape just 30 years ago during the 1970's.
The huge McCormick cattle ranch on the north side of town was sold to developers, who began to build parks and upscale residential homes. Tax money began to flow into the city coffers, and the government was able to raze dilapidated buildings and revive the Old Town area adjacent to the ranch. Old Town became home to a popular arts center and excellent restaurants, and Scottsdale thrived once more.
Aging baby boomers and their well-to-do parents began coming to the desert areas for relief from the winter cold, and Scottsdale soon became a destination spot for golfers and shopping enthusiasts. The number of luxury hotels and rental properties skyrocketed, so much so that there are virtually no limits to the number of ways tourists can choose to pamper themselves when they come to the city to stay and play.
The Hohokam could never have envisioned what would become of the desert wilderness they loved so much and cultivated so hard. Scottsdale's rich history makes it a truly unique destination deep in the Arizona desert.
If you are looking for a luxurious and unique place to stay while in Scottsdale, visit Carefree Villas and Resort (http://www.luxurysuites.com/Carefree_Resort_Villas.html), a division of Scottsdale Luxury Suites. Art Gib is a freelance writer.
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