The city of Phoenix was founded in 1867 by Jack Swilling, who saw potential for farming in the Salt River Valley. Phoenix was officially recognized as a town in 1868 and incorporated as a city in 1881 as it continued growing due to farming and trade. By the late 1880s, Phoenix became an economic hub when the railroad connected it to other cities and markets, solidifying its role as the capital and largest city of Arizona, which it remains today.

1. The City of Phoenix
By: Derick Grayson

2. • The history of the city of Phoenix begins with Jack Swilling, a
Confederate veteran of the Civil War. In 1867, while traveling through
the Salt River Valley, he saw a potential for farming, much like the
military had already cultivated further east, near Fort McDowell. He
formed a small community that same year about four miles (six km)
east of the present city. Lord Darrell Duppa, one of the original
settlers in Swilling's party, suggested the name "Phoenix", as it
described a city born from the ruins of a former civilization

3. • The Board of Supervisors in Yavapai County, which at the time
encompassed Phoenix, officially recognized the new town on May 4,
1868, and the first post office was established the following month,
with Swilling as the postmaster.[15] On February 12, 1871, the
territorial legislature created Maricopa County, the sixth one formed
in the Arizona Territory, by dividing Yavapai County. The first election
for county office was held in 1871, when Tom Barnum was elected
the first sheriff, running unopposed when the other two candidates,
John A. Chenowth and Jim Favorite, fought a duel wherein Chenowth
killed Favorite, and then was forced to withdraw from the race.

4. • By 1881, Phoenix's continued growth made the existing village
structure with a board of trustees obsolete. The Territorial Legislature
passed "The Phoenix Charter Bill", incorporating Phoenix and
providing for a mayor-council government, which became official on
February 25, 1881 when it was signed by Governor John C. Fremont,
officially incorporating Phoenix as a city with an approximate
population of 2,500.[15]

5. • The town grew during the 1870s, and President Ulysses S.
Grant issued a land patent for the present site of Phoenix on April 10,
1874. By 1875, the town had a telegraph office, sixteen saloons, and
four dance halls, but the "townsite-commissioner form of
government" needed an overhaul, so that year an election was held
in which three village trustees, as well as several other officials, were
elected.[15] By 1880, the town's population stood at 2,453.

6. • In the 1880s, the arrival of the railroad in the Valley was the first of several
key events that altered the economy of Phoenix. Phoenix became a trade
center, with its products reaching eastern and western markets. In
response, the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce was organized on November
4, 1888.[33] Earlier in 1888 the city offices were moved into the new City
Hall, at Washington and Central.[15] When the territorial capital was moved
from Prescott to Phoenix in 1889, the temporary territorial offices were
also located in City Hall.[34] With the arrival of the Santa Fe, Prescott and
Phoenix Railroad in 1895, Phoenix was connected to Prescott, Flagstaff and
other communities in the northern part of the territory. The increased
access to commerce expedited the city's economic rise. The year 1895 also
saw the establishment of Phoenix Union High School, with an enrollment
of 90.

7. • Phoenix (/ˈfiːnᵻks/) is the capital and most populous city of the U.S.
state of Arizona. With 1,563,025 people (as of 2015), Phoenix is
the sixth most populous city nationwide, the most populous state
capital in the United States, and the only state capital with a
population of more than one million residents.[4][5]
• Phoenix is the anchor of the Phoenix metropolitan area, also known
as the Valley of the Sun, which in turn is a part of the Salt River Valley.
The metropolitan area is the 12th largest by population in the United
States, with approximately 4.3 million people as of 2010.[6][7] In
addition, Phoenix is the seat of Maricopa County and, at 517.9 square
miles (1,341 km2), it is the largest city in the state, more than twice
the size of Tucson and one of the largest cities in the United States.

8. • Phoenix ranks as one of the fastest-growing cities in the
nation. Because of our beautiful weather, you’ll be able to enjoy
most activities all year-round. Check out the links on this page and
find out for yourself why Phoenix is such a dynamic city.

9. • Phoenix is a world-class destination because of its natural beauty,
sunny skies, manicured golf courses and sports and cultural
attractions. Discover information about the city’s extensive desert
preserve system and Phoenix Points of Pride as well as information
about city-run facilities such as Pueblo Grande Museum and Heritage
and Science Park that offer visitors a chance to learn about the
Valley’s native heritage and history.

10. • The Phoenix mountain/desert preserves offer everything from busy,
arduous summit climbs to secluded, meandering valley walks.
• Explore more than 41,000 acres of mountain parks and desert
preserves. 40 trailheads provide access to 88 trails totaling
approximately 200 miles.
• Parking lots for most preserve areas are open daily from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Trails are at South Mountain, North Mountain, Piestewa Peak and the
Sonoran Preserve are open until 11 p.m.
• Trails at Camelback Mountain and Papago vary.