Our Scottsdale
Scottsdale History
The land occupied by Scottsdale, Arizona was once the home of the Hohokum. The Hohokum were an agrarian oriented, Native American people who built a system of canals in our desert, extending over 200 miles. The cleverly engineered canal system brought the precious water needed to quench the thirst of their agricultural endeavors. It is believed that the Hohokum migrated away from the area sometime around 1450 AD as the climate was changing. On the last jeep tour I enjoyed, we were told by our guide that this desert is actually one of the world's youngest, which probably accounts for the amazing amount of plants and animals that continue to thrive in the wild. Prior to 1450 AD our area was somewhat cooler and wetter and was more hospitable to primitive agriculture.
Scottsdale was named Scottsdale in 1894, some 6 years afetr U.S. Army Chaplain Winfield Scott paid $2.50 per acre for 640 acres in 1888. His 640 acres was defined by today's roads as Chaparral to Indian School and Hayden to Scottsdale Road. Scott retired from active duty in 1893 and began developing his land in earnest. He and canal-builder William Murphy are credited with launching the Valley's citrus industry. By the turn of the century there were thousands of irrigated acres growing primarily citrus but also other crops such as peaches, plums, grapes, figs, dates, etc.
The photo above gives a great view of the agricultural activity that was in full swing in the early 1900's.
Soldiers experienced the great west during the civil war and after, fueling the westward expansion of the nation. Arizona was one of the later states to become part of the US and, in fact, didn't achieve full statehood until 1912, on Valentines Day.
It was another 15 years before Scottsdale's first resort was opened. It was called the Jokake Inn and was located on land, near Camelback Road, that is occupied today by the prestigious Phoenician.
My parents moved as single individuals to Scottsdale in 1958 and met sometime around 1960 at the Pink Pony (still standing).
They were 2 heads to count in a 1960 census of 10,026, living in a town with a total area of 3.8 square miles. Things have changed rather remarkably since then and relatively quickly, as it hasn't even been 50 years and the differences we see today are incredible.
It was during the fifties and sixties that Scottsdale began to capture the imaginations of mid-westerners. It was an alternative to the balmy climate of Florida and offered a drier climate, especially inviting to any one with respiratory concerns. One such family, the Reads, moved here and my mother's great friend Avis opened the Stable Gallery at the NW corner of McDonald and Cattletrack (Miller). This became a popular stop for artists and residents.
I think the period of time between 1945 and probably 1970 was an amazing time to be part of the developing community of Scottsdale. Once the 70's hit, the farms, orchards and horse trails began to disappear as developers scooped up land parcels to build new homes for the many thousands of individuals and families that decided to relocate to Arizona.
We have been fortunate over the years, since Scottsdale's incorporation in 1951, that there have always been strong political forces stressing the importance of preserving a western way of life and controlled and measured growth in the desert. It has been this thoughful approach to development that has helped to make Scottsdale the wonderful place to live, work and recreate that it is today.
Our wonderful climate, cultural and entertainment venues, fabulous restaurants, golf courses, world class auctions and horse shows, convenient access to major sports attractions like the Suns, Diamond Backs, Coyotes and Cardinals all combine to make our life in Scottsdale very special.
So, if you're coming to town and need a new home, give me a call. I know this town, its neighborhoods and subdivisions as well as anybody could. After 13 years of practicing real estate in Scottsdale I am extremely knowledgeable about all residential options. If you can tell me your wishes, I will be able to steer you in the direction that best suits your goals and your family's needs.
Thank you for taking some time out to look at this web site. I hope you have enjoyed reading a little bit about Scottsdale's past. It will be my pleasure to help you to become part of its future!
