Scottsdale, who are you?

Scottsdale, who are you?

Scottsdale is known widely as 'The West's Most Western Town',
due to the cultural history of the Old West that still permeates the area.
The historical roots of this area also run deep in agriculture
which the Mesoamerican people in the area were the first to develop.
Currently the major draw of this area is the climate
which lends a perfect environment for year round vacationers and golf addicts.

Ancient History

Prior to written history, the Hohokam farmed this area, from about 300-1500 AD.
These resourceful people built a unique irrigation system that included
more than 200 miles of complex canals.
Believed to have originated in Mexico, the Hohokam traveled to
the Central Arizona area sometime around 300 AD,
settling the region into a healthy-sized agricultural community.
Progressive farming techniques afforded this ingenious group the opportunity
to support a larger than normal community for that time period.

Around 1500 AD, this group appears to have mysteriously faded,
then vanished for reasons that remain unclear.
The local Pima Indians originally refered to these industrious and
intelligent people as the Hohokam, which translates 'Vanished Ones'.
Theories have arisen regarding their disappearance,
with plausible explanations including plague or drought.

Europeans

Early European settlers found the area enchanting,
and many continued the farming tradition.
The founder of Scottsdale, Winfield Scott, moved to the area
on the advice of his brother who had relocated with his wife
to the Valley of the Sun due to health concerns.
The two brothers farmed together, producing peanuts, sweet potatoes and citrus.

Low humidity levels and low pollen counts brought many here
in the early years that had allergies or other chronic ailments.
As the population grew, the need for more services arose.
In 1896, the first school appeared, in a one-room schoolhouse.
Fewer than 2000 people lived in this farming community at that time.

Growth

More people began visiting and relocating to the area, enjoying the clean air
and abundant spaces.
J.L. Davis opened the first retail store in 1897 in order to serve
the needs of the people.
World War I brought with it a demand for the long fibered Pima cotton
produced by Scottsdale farmers.
In 1920 a cotton gin was built at to process this resource.
More services and jobs continued the influx of new residents throughout
the early years.

Nature and civilization have found a happy union in this gracious land.
Wildlife may be found in abundance here; the concept of a dry,
barren desert simply does not hold true in this lovely place.
Find a surprising mix of colorful plants and prolific animals living year round
in the temperate climate.
Don't be surprised to see a coyote or a quail mother with young scoot
across the road in front of you.

The Desert's Allure

Maybe it's in the subtle continuity of the spacious vistas, or the natural order
of the desert wildlife.
Whatever the attraction,
many designers and artists are drawn to this area like hummingbirds to nectar.
Among them have been characters of renown, including the genius of Frank Lloyd Wright
and Paolo Soleri.

Visit the Old Town

When you are in town,
do not miss to walk through the Old Town near Indian School Road
and Scottsdale Road.
When your legs get tired, just hop on the free street car called 'Troley'.