Our history began with the discovery of the Salt River by the Hohokam Indians probably around 300 B.C. Their lively civilization lasted for around 1700 years and their population exceeded 75,000 by 1100 A.D., after which they mysteriously disappeared. Their sophisticated series of waterways and canals created a productive farming community producing cotton (introducing weaving of cotton in the southwest), beans, and corn, and they created a sophisticated community of single family homes, apartment dwellings, recreation centers and ceremonial grounds. Our Pueblo Grande Museum and Archeology Park in Phoenix has studied and learned a great deal about this productive and ceremonial culture. Our present day Pima Indians are considered to be descendents of the Hohokams, giving reason for the name Phoenix, a bird in greek mythology that rose from it's own ashes to live again. The settlers of the 1800s put the Hohokam canals back into use and today our canals that flow throughout the Valley closely follow those established by the Hohokam Indians.
We give a lot of credit to a fabulous climate for our growth as industries have chosen our Valley due to the warm dry climate that will not interfere with the distribution networks, telecommunications systems, or administrative operations of hundreds of businesses and corporations that call the valley home. Tourism also accounts for $5 billion annual contribution to our economy with 12 million visitors a year who come to enjoy our world class resorts, first rate golf courses, outdoor activities and professional sporting events.
However, most of us believe the major attraction to our valley is our lifestyle and the many fabulous cultural attractions that we enjoy such as The Heard Museum (native americans) Desert Botanical Garden (world's largest collection of desert plants) the Phoenix Art Museum (southwest's largest) The Arizona Science Center (hands-on exhibits and planetarium) The Herberger Theater Center (year round music, drama and dance) Ballet Arizona (premier professional ballet) The Phoenix Symphony (concerts and special events) and Gammage Theater at ASU in Tempe hosting broadway touring shows. Add to this our many professional sports teams, world class shopping and restaurants, many fabulous parks and recreation networks and great school systems...all combining to create a rich and full lifestyle.
