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Phoenix (pronounced /ˈfiːˌnɪks/,
O'odham Skikik, Yavapai Wasinka, Western Apache Fiinigis,
Navajo Hoozdo, Mojave Hachpa 'Anya Nyava[3]) is the capital
and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Arizona
and the county seat of Maricopa County,[4] as well as
being the largest state capital in the United States
by population. It is the largest city in the American
Southwest and the Mountain Time Zone, and is the region's
primary political, cultural, economic, and transportation
center. Phoenix is located along the banks of the now
normally dry Salt River, and was incorporated as a city
on February 25, 1881. Residents of Phoenix are known
as Phoenicians.
The city's estimated population as of 2006 was 1,512,986,
making it the fifth largest city in the United States.[2]
At 515 square miles, its city proper is the 10th largest
land area for a city in the United States, resulting in
a lower population density. As of 2007, the Phoenix Metropolitan
Statistical Area (MSA) was the 13th largest in the United
States, with an estimated population of 4,179,427
History
The history of Phoenix as a city begins with Jack Swilling,
an American Civil War veteran who had come west to seek
wealth in the 1850s and worked primarily in Wickenburg.
On an outing in 1867, he stopped to rest at the foot of
the White Tank Mountains. Swilling observed the abandoned
river valley and considered its potential for farming,
much like that already cultivation by the military further
east near Fort McDowell. The terrain and climate were optimal;
only a regular source of water was necessary. The existence
of the old Hohokam ruins, showing clear paths for canals,
made Swilling imagine new possibilities.
Swilling had a series of canals built
which followed those of the ancient Native American system.
A small community formed that same year about 4 miles
(6 km) east of the present city. It was first called
Pumpkinville due to the large pumpkins that flourished
in fields along the canals, then Swilling's Mill in his
honor, though later renamed to Helling Mill, Mill City,
and finally, East Phoenix. Swilling, a former Confederate
soldier, wanted to name the city "Stonewall," after General Stonewall
Jackson. Others suggested the name of "Salina." However,
neither name was supported by the community.
Finally, Lord Darrell Duppa suggested
the name "Phoenix," as
it described a city born from the ruins of a former civilization.[8]
The Yavapai County Board of Supervisors,
which at the time encompassed Phoenix, officially recognized
the new town on May 4, 1868, and formed an election precinct.
The first post office was established on June 15, 1868,
with Jack Swilling serving as the postmaster. With the
number of residents growing (the 1870 US census reported
about a total Salt River Valley population of 240), a
townsite needed to be selected. On October 20, 1870,
the residents held a meeting to decide where to locate
it. A 320-acre (1.3 km²) plot of land was purchased
in what is now the downtown business section.[9]
On February 12, 1871, the territorial legislature created
Maricopa County, the sixth one formed, by dividing Yavapai
County. The first election for county office was held in
1871, when Tom Barnum was elected the first sheriff. Barnum
ran unopposed as the other two candidates, John A. Chenowth
and Jim Favorite, had a shootout that ended in Favorite's
death and Chenowth withdrawing from the race.[10]
Several lots of land were sold in 1870 at an average price
of $48. The first church opened in 1871, as did the first
store. Public school had its first class on September 5,
1872, in the courtroom of the county building. By October
1873, a small school was completed on Center Street (now
Central Avenue).[10] Land entry was recorded by the Florence
Land Office on November 19, 1873, and a declaratory statement
filed in the Prescott Land Office on February 15, 1872.
President Ulysses S. Grant issued a land patent for the
present site of Phoenix on April 10, 1874. The total value
of the Phoenix Townsite was $550, with downtown lots selling
for between $7 and $11 each. A short time later, a telegraph
office, 16 saloons, four dance halls and two banks were
open.
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