Phoenix: The History of a Southwestern MetropolisMore than half of all Arizonans live in Phoenix, the center of one of the most urbanized states in the nation. This history of the Sunbelt metropolis traces its growth from its founding in 1867 to its present status as one of the ten largest cities in the United States. Drawing on a wide variety of archival materials, oral accounts, promotional literature, and urban historical studies, Bradford Luckingham presents an urban biography of a thriving city that for more than a century has been an oasis of civilization in the desert Southwest. First homesteaded by pioneers bent on seeing a new agricultural empire rise phoenix-like from ancient Hohokam Indian irrigation ditches and farming settlements, Phoenix became an agricultural oasis in the desert during the late 1800s. With the coming of the railroads and the transfer of the territorial capital to Phoenix, local boosters were already proclaiming it the new commercial center of Arizona. As the city also came to be recognized as a health and tourist mecca, thanks to its favorable climate, the concept of "the good life" became the centerpiece of the city's promotional efforts. Luckingham follows these trends through rapid expansion, the Depression, and the postwar boom years, and shows how economic growth and quality of life have come into conflict in recent times. |
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agricultural Alsap American Anglo Arizona capital Arizona History Arizona Republic Arizona State University August became boom boosters buildings Canal citizens City Council city manager City of Phoenix city's construction continued cultural decade December declared desert desert center downtown Phoenix economic election February freeway Friendly House Glendale Goddard Greater Phoenix growth Hance Hayden Library Herb and Dorothy Hispanic Hohokam January Journal of Arizona June Kotlanger land leaders located M.A. thesis March Maricopa County Mawn Mayor Mesa Mexicans miles million minority group neighborhoods November October officials organizations Park Paso passim percent Phoenix area Phoenix City Phoenix Gazette Phoenix Indian Phoenix Newspapers population Prescott problems programs progress Pulliam railroad residents River Valley Directory Roosevelt Dam Salt River Project Salt River Valley Scottsdale segregation south Phoenix Street Sunbelt Tempe Terry Goddard tion town Tucson University of Arizona Urban Southwest Washington West