Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix is the capital of the state of Arizona, which is situated next to California and right above Mexico. The area of and around Phoenix is also called and known as the Salt River Valley or 'The Valley of the Sun' and covers 517.8824 square miles of land.

Even though you may not have expected it, due to the occupation of this area, Phoenix turns out to be the largest city population-wise in the U.S. and the fifth largest city.

The history of Phoenix is quite interesting and dates way back. The land was originally inhabited and cultivated by the Hohokam as they were called, who dug a fair irrigation system to water the land. It is believed that a great drought, which occurred somewhere between 1300 and 1450, forced many of them to leave.

The foundation for the city started back in 1867, when an American Civil War veteran called Jack Swilling made a rest stop at the foot of the White Tank Mountains and overlooking the land he saw the potential in it, started an irrigation company and making use of the old left over canals from the Hohokam a year later water flowed once again through the valley.

The city got its name due to the fact that it was born from the ruins of a former civilization and was officially recognized as a town in May 4, 1868 and incorporated as a city on February 25, 1881.

Ever since, the farming community mainly ended after WWII when many took residence in Phoenix. This resulted in an economic industrial boost and turned the city in to the dynamic and prosperus city as we know it today.

Phoenix is well worth a visit, if not for being the cheapest vacation destination in the U.S., then definitely for everything else this bubbling city has to offer, including the beauty by which mother nature has surrounded it.

See also:
Phoenix, Arizona - Activities and Entertainment
Phoenix, Arizona - Accommodations and Economy
Phoenix, Arizona - Cautions
Phoenix, Arizona - Special