Arizona’s capital, Phoenix, boasts a population of over one million residents and is considered to be its largest city. By many measures, Phoenix truly stands as an urban megapolis.
European explorers typically avoided the area that would become Phoenix due to its hot and arid climate. However, in 1867 a man named Jack Swilling came to the area and saw potential for farming there.
History of Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix, the state capital and most populous city in Arizona, serves as a popular tourist destination.
The city of Wickenburg can trace its roots back to 1867 when Jack Swilling of Wickenburg stopped his horse near Salt River Valley for a rest. Looking down and across the valley, Swilling could see how much his horses loved walking on that brown, dry soil – especially when they had fresh hooves!
He discovered the land to be free of rocks and with enough water for agriculture – this is what attracted thousands to the desert in the 19th century.
Before the United States began colonizing Arizona, it was part of Mexico. The area was home to many Native American tribes such as Pima, Tohono O’odham, Apache, Navajo, Hopi and Maricopa peoples.
In 1847, the United States acquired Arizona from Mexico via the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Although this area had been occupied by Jesuits since 1687, after Pima Uprising in 1755 they were obliged to relocate their presidios (military posts) from Tubac to Tucson.
In 1821, Mexico officially declared itself to be part of El Estado Libre de Occidente (The Free State of the West). This included not only Sonora and Sinaloa but also Arizona as part of its newly formed nation.
During the Civil War, Arizona had two distinct regions: one part of the Confederacy and another part of the Union. Prescott served as the capital for both regions while Tucson served as its rival.
After the war, settlement in Arizona was encouraged by the Homestead Act and other laws. While most of the land in the territory remained under federal ownership, individuals could purchase up to 640 acres for building a home on.
Unfortunately, the homesteading program did not last long. Within a few years, mining claims were opened up and ranching spread into the desert.
By the turn of the 20th century, there were thousands of settlers in Phoenix and other parts of Arizona. Some came from New York or along the east coast; others hailing from California or New Mexico.
Location
The capital of a state is the location where all state government offices are situated. It does not need to be the largest city within that state, but should be centrally situated and easily accessible for everyone in that region.
State capitals typically lie along a major river or body of water that runs through the state, and may also be its most populous city.
Arizona’s capital city is Phoenix, which ranks as the fifth-largest city in America with a population of approximately 1.5 million residents.
Sonoran Desert in the north-eastern part, Phoenix lies along the Salt River and Gila River. It is part of a large metropolitan area which encompasses Glendale, Scottsdale, Mesa and Chandler.
In 1889, Phoenix became the capital of Arizona due to its favorable climate and many people having relocated there from surrounding towns in the state.
Since then, the city has grown rapidly and is now considered one of the top tourist attractions in Mexico. It is renowned for its vibrant culture and stunning natural surroundings.
State Capitol Park aside, Sacramento offers visitors a host of other intriguing attractions to enjoy. Visitors will have plenty of choices when it comes to shopping and dining – as well as family-friendly activities!
Explore the state’s natural wonders, such as the Grand Canyon. Additionally, there are countless museums and art galleries located throughout the city.
Another significant aspect of this city is its history – it is the oldest city in Arizona!
Before it became the capital of Arizona, Prescott served as its territorial capital. The original capitol building was located there before being moved temporarily to Tucson for a few years.
When it came time to select a new seat of government, political forces were nearly evenly split between Prescott and Tucson.
Finally, Phoenix was chosen as the capital of Arizona and has remained so for over a century – an amazing feat that serves to symbolize both its strength and pride.
Population of Arizona
Arizona’s population increased dramatically throughout the 20th century due to residential and business development. Its “Five C’s” of cotton, cattle, citrus, copper and environment remained the driving forces for growth throughout this time.
Phoenix, the capital and largest city of Arizona, is one of America’s top tourist attractions. It boasts numerous museums, golf courses, shopping centers, theaters and other attractions as well as world-class hotels.
Additionally, the Valley Metro Rail system links Phoenix to other major cities and towns such as Mesa and Tempe. Operating since 2008, it provides a convenient means of travel around the city and its nearby communities.
Arizona’s majority population is White American, though some Mexican Americans and Native Americans also reside here. There are 27 federally recognized Native American reservations within Arizona which make up 10% of its total population.
Arizona boasts a diverse population with many linguistic and cultural distinctions. English is the most common language spoken here, while Spanish follows closely behind at second place.
According to the United States Census Bureau, 91.1% of Arizona’s population speaks English exclusively or very well – exactly matching the national average.
Due to this, many businesses and institutions in the state are bilingual. This enables them to serve a wider range of customers.
Tucson is an attractive option for families due to its relatively low crime rate and excellent public schools. This makes Tucson an excellent option in terms of cost-of-living compared to other major cities in the region. Plus, Tucson provides a secure environment in which to raise children.
Visitors from around the world are drawn to Arizona’s stunning desert landscape. Its dry climate, which is one of the hottest in the country, draws in people from far and wide to experience this extraordinary natural phenomenon.
Therefore, the state is growing faster than most other US states and this trend is expected to continue. As of 2019, the population of Arizona stood at 7,264,877.
Arizona’s Economy
Arizona’s economy is one of the strongest in America, boasting healthcare, manufacturing and transportation/warehousing as its top sectors. The state’s unemployment rate has reached a 40-year low and it boasts one of the highest job growth rates nationwide.
The majority of the state’s economic activity is services, such as lodging and food service; retail trade; professional/tech; transport/warehouse operations; and health care. Furthermore, the region’s bustling tourism industry also contributes significantly to economic development.
Agriculture plays a significant role in Arizona, with livestock such as cattle and calves dominating production. Other important farm products include lettuce, cauliflowers, broccoli, hay and dairy goods. Mining – particularly copper and zinc – has long been an important source of income for the state.
Arizona’s other industries rely heavily on global connections, such as computer and electronic equipment and transportation-related items. These exports have been the driving force behind Arizona’s impressive economic expansion over the years.
Fishing and hunting have a major effect on the Arizona economy. Recreational spending by anglers and hunters creates a series of ripple or multiplier effects that increase the purchasing power of other Arizona residents.
Overall, watchable wildlife recreationists are estimated to generate $958 million in retail sales and employment within the state of Oregon. This activity supports 17,000 jobs while providing state residents with $314 million in wages and salaries.
In 2023, however, Arizona’s job growth is forecast to slow as federal pandemic-related income support ends and unemployment rises due to loosening labor markets. This will result in slower income growth – projected at 2.6% for 2023.