The desert city of Phoenix is the capital of the U.S. state of Arizona and the seat of Maricopa County. The fast-growing city, a blend of modern and traditional cultures, was built near ancient Native American ruins. It was named Phoenix after a bird in ancient Egyptian mythology that arose from its own ashes after being destroyed by fire. Phoenix lies in the south-central part of Arizona along the Salt River. The city is situated in a valley shaped like a saucer and is surrounded by mountains and green, irrigated fields. Phoenix enjoys mild winters but has very hot summers. Places of interestAmong the city's most impressive buildings is the State Capitol, built before Arizona became a state. It has a dome of polished copper. Heritage Square has many buildings designed in the late Victorian style. The Heard Museum celebrates the cultures of the Native Americans of the of the Southwest. It is famous for its collection of Hopi kachina dolls. The Museo Chicano is dedicated to Latin American culture. The Phoenix Art Museum collects art from all over the world. Exhibits at the Arizona Science Center are designed to be actively explored by visitors. The Desert Botanical Garden is known for its large cactus collection. The garden shares Papago Park with the Phoenix Zoo, which houses many desert animals. EconomyMany people in Phoenix are employed in state, county, and city government. Others serve tourists who are attracted to the warm, sunny climate. Manufacturing is an important part of the city's economy. Among the products made in Phoenix are electronic equipment, computer parts, chemicals, cement, and construction materials. Farms in the Phoenix area produce citrus fruits, melons, cotton, and olives. Irrigation systems deliver water to the plants. HistoryThe Hohokam, a Native American group, lived in the Salt River valley as early as 300 BC. They built permanent houses of adobe (sun-baked brick) and dug canals to carry water to their crops. Not long after AD 1400, for unknown reasons, the Hohokam disappeared. Spanish conquistadores (conquerors) claimed the region about 100 years later, but they did not settle there. In 1867 a prospector and promoter named Jack Swilling visited the area, which by then had become United States territory. He noticed the remains of the ancient irrigation channels and decided that Americans could use the same methods to farm the land. The village of Phoenix soon arose near the new irrigated grain fields. In 1871 Maricopa County was organized, and Phoenix became the county seat. Phoenix became a city in 1881. The capital of the Arizona territory was moved from Prescott to Phoenix in 1889. In 1912, Arizona achieved statehood, and Phoenix became the state capital. Many factors contributed to the city's rapid growth in the 20th century. Farmers were able to expand their operations after the completion of the Roosevelt Dam on the Salt River in 1911. Many members of the military who were stationed in the area in World War II chose to remain there afterward. In later years many retired people were lured by the mild winters. Population (2000 census), 1,321,045. |