History of Maricopa County, Arizona
Introduction to Maricopa County
Maricopa County, located in central Arizona, is the most populous county in the state and the fourth most populous in the United States. Established in 1871, Maricopa County has grown from a desert frontier to a bustling metropolitan area, home to the state capital, Phoenix. Its rapid growth was fueled by irrigation projects, railroads, and eventually, a booming technology and service industry. Today, Maricopa County is known for its diverse culture, economic significance, and natural beauty, including the Sonoran Desert and numerous mountain ranges.
County Facts
- Founded: February 14, 1871
- Population: Approximately 4.5 million (2020 Census)
- Area: 9,224 square miles (23,900 km²)
- Area Codes: 602, 623, 480
- ZIP Codes: 85001–85099, 85201–85299, 85301–85399, 85139
- County Seat: Phoenix
- Major Cities: Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Glendale, Tempe, Chandler
- Famous Landmarks: Camelback Mountain, Papago Park, Desert Botanical Garden, South Mountain Park, Heard Museum, Phoenix Zoo, Arizona State Capitol
Early History of Maricopa County
Pre-Colonial Era (Pre-1500)
Long before European settlers arrived, the land that is now Maricopa County was inhabited by Native American cultures, particularly the Hohokam people. The Hohokam lived in the region from around 300 AD to 1450 AD and developed one of the most sophisticated irrigation systems in pre-Columbian North America. These canals, many of which were later utilized by settlers, allowed the Hohokam to thrive in the desert environment, growing crops like maize, beans, and squash.
After the mysterious decline of the Hohokam around 1450 AD, other Native American groups, including the Pima and Maricopa, inhabited the area. These tribes would later play important roles in the region’s development.
Spanish and Mexican Influence (1500s-1848)
The first Europeans to explore the area were Spanish explorers in the 16th century, including Francisco Vásquez de Coronado. Although the Spanish claimed the area as part of New Spain, they made little permanent impact on the region. Missionaries attempted to establish missions in the 1600s and 1700s, but due to the hostile desert environment and resistance from local tribes, the Spanish presence remained minimal.
In 1821, when Mexico gained independence from Spain, the region became part of Mexican territory. However, after the Mexican-American War (1846–1848), the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo transferred the land to the United States, setting the stage for American settlement.
American Settlement and Territorial Period (1850s-1910s)
Gadsden Purchase (1853)
In 1853, the Gadsden Purchase solidified U.S. control over southern Arizona, including parts of what would become Maricopa County. This agreement facilitated the construction of a transcontinental railroad and opened the area for American settlers. Although early settlement was slow due to the harsh desert environment, the promise of arable land thanks to irrigation projects eventually attracted pioneers to the region.
Establishment of Phoenix (1867)
The roots of modern Maricopa County can be traced back to 1867, when former Confederate soldier Jack Swilling recognized the potential for agriculture in the Salt River Valley. Swilling established irrigation systems based on the ancient Hohokam canals, and his efforts led to the founding of Phoenix in 1868. The city’s name reflected the idea that it was rising from the ashes of the ancient Hohokam civilization.
Formation of Maricopa County (1871)
On February 14, 1871, Maricopa County was officially created from parts of Yavapai County. Phoenix was chosen as the county seat due to its central location and growing population. At the time of its creation, Maricopa County was primarily an agricultural region, with settlers relying on the Salt River for irrigation. Early crops included wheat, barley, and alfalfa, which were sold to nearby mining towns and military outposts.
Tempe and Mesa
- Tempe: Founded in 1871 by Charles Trumbull Hayden, Tempe grew as a center for education and commerce. Hayden’s Ferry, the precursor to Tempe, became a key crossing point over the Salt River, and in 1885, the establishment of the Arizona Territorial Normal School (now Arizona State University) further bolstered its growth.
- Mesa: In 1878, a group of Mormon settlers founded Mesa, east of Phoenix. Like Phoenix, Mesa’s early development relied on irrigation and agriculture, with settlers using the Hohokam canals to create fertile farmland.
Railroads and Economic Growth (1880s-1910s)
The arrival of the railroad in 1887 was a transformative event for Maricopa County. The railroads connected the region to national markets, allowing agricultural products to be shipped to other parts of the country. This influx of goods and people accelerated Phoenix’s growth, and by 1889, the city was designated the capital of the Arizona Territory, replacing Prescott.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw continued expansion in agriculture, and new technologies like electricity and the telephone arrived in Phoenix, further modernizing the area. By the time Arizona achieved statehood in 1912, Phoenix had grown into a bustling city, and Maricopa County was a key agricultural and economic center in the Southwest.
20th Century Development
The Newlands Reclamation Act and Agriculture (1902-1920s)
In 1902, the passage of the Newlands Reclamation Act provided federal funding for irrigation projects across the West. This led to the creation of the Salt River Project (SRP) in 1903, which was crucial for the development of Maricopa County. The construction of Roosevelt Dam on the Salt River in 1911 provided a reliable water source for farmers, allowing for the expansion of agriculture throughout the county.
The establishment of a stable water supply allowed Maricopa County to become one of the most productive agricultural regions in the country, producing cotton, citrus fruits, and other crops. The SRP would continue to play a major role in managing the county’s water resources throughout the 20th century.
Great Depression and World War II (1930s-1940s)
Like much of the country, Maricopa County was affected by the Great Depression in the 1930s. However, the region’s agricultural base helped sustain the local economy. During this time, Phoenix and surrounding cities continued to grow, and the region benefited from New Deal programs that provided jobs and improved infrastructure.
During World War II, Maricopa County experienced a population and economic boom. Military bases, such as Luke Air Force Base, were established in the area, bringing soldiers and civilian workers to the county. After the war, many veterans chose to settle in Maricopa County, contributing to the region’s post-war population growth.
Post-War Boom and Modern Growth (1950s-Present)
Population Explosion and Urban Development (1950s-1970s)
The post-war era was a time of rapid growth for Maricopa County. From the 1950s to the 1970s, the population exploded as people flocked to the region for its warm climate, economic opportunities, and affordable housing. Suburban cities like Scottsdale, Glendale, and Chandler expanded rapidly, and Phoenix began to emerge as a major metropolitan center.
The rise of air conditioning in the 1950s made living in the desert more comfortable, and this, along with the development of highways and infrastructure, helped attract even more residents to Maricopa County. By the 1970s, the county had become the most populous in Arizona, with Phoenix serving as the state’s economic and cultural hub.
Rise of Technology and Diversification (1980s-2000s)
While agriculture remained important to the region’s economy, the latter half of the 20th century saw significant economic diversification. Maricopa County became a hub for the aerospace, electronics, and technology industries. Companies like Motorola, Intel, and Honeywell established major operations in the Phoenix area, contributing to the county’s transformation into a modern urban economy.
The county’s higher education institutions, including Arizona State University, played a key role in driving innovation and attracting high-tech industries to the area. By the early 2000s, Maricopa County was a major center for finance, healthcare, real estate, and technology, with Phoenix ranked among the fastest-growing cities in the U.S.
Notable Landmarks and Attractions in Maricopa County
Camelback Mountain
Camelback Mountain is one of the most recognizable natural landmarks in Maricopa County. Located in the heart of Phoenix, it is a popular destination for hikers and offers stunning panoramic views of the city.
Papago Park
Papago Park is home to the Desert Botanical Garden and the Phoenix Zoo, two of the most popular attractions in the county. The park’s distinctive red rock formations and scenic trails make it a favorite among visitors and locals alike.
South Mountain Park
South Mountain Park is the largest municipal park in the United States, covering over 16,000 acres. The park features numerous hiking and biking trails, and its summit provides breathtaking views of the entire Phoenix metropolitan area.
Arizona State Capitol
The Arizona State Capitol, located in downtown Phoenix, is a historic building that served as the home of the Arizona Territorial and later State Legislature. Today, the Capitol Museum offers exhibits on Arizona’s political history and statehood.
Heard Museum
The Heard Museum is one of the most important institutions dedicated to Native American art and culture in the United States. The museum, located in Phoenix, showcases a vast collection of traditional and contemporary Indigenous art, with a focus on the cultures of the Southwest.
