History of Phoenix, Arizona, USA

1866 - Phoenix originated in 1866 as a hay camp to supply Camp McDowell.
In 1866, the origins of Phoenix, Arizona, trace back to its humble beginnings as a hay camp established to support nearby Camp McDowell. Located in the Salt River Valley, Phoenix initially served as a crucial supply point for the military post, which was part of the U.S. Army's efforts to maintain control and peace in the region amidst tensions with Native American tribes. The area's fertile land and access to water from the Salt River made it an ideal location for agriculture and settlement, despite its harsh desert environment. Over time, Phoenix expanded beyond its military roots, attracting settlers who saw the potential for growth and development in this budding frontier town.
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Phoenix founded
In 1867, Jack Swilling of Wickenburg stopped to rest his horse at the foot of the north slopes of the White Tank Mountains. He looked down and across the expansive Salt River Valley and his eyes caught the rich gleam of the brown, dry soil turned up by the horse's hooves. He saw farm land, predominately free of rocks, and in a place beyond the reach of heavy frost or snow. All it needed was water.

Returning to Wickenburg, he organized the Swilling Irrigation Canal Company, and moved into the Valley. The same year, the company began digging a canal to divert some of the water of the Salt River onto the lands of the Valley. By March 1868, water flowed through the canal, and a few members of the company raised meager crops that summer.
phoenix.gov/ citygovernment/ facts/ history/

1881 - February 5 - Phoenix, Az incorporates

historyorb.com

1889 - State capital moved to Phoenix from Tucson
In 1889, Arizona's state capital was relocated from Tucson to Phoenix, marking a pivotal moment in the state's history. The decision to move the capital was influenced by a variety of factors, including economic considerations and the strategic location of Phoenix in central Arizona. Phoenix, already emerging as a hub for commerce and transportation due to its proximity to major rail lines and natural resources, offered greater potential for growth and development compared to Tucson.

1895 - Phoenix
Phoenix, fee'nix, a city, since 1890 the capital of Arizona and the seat of justice of Maricopa co., 226 miles N.E. from Yuma, and 35 miles N. of Maricopa, on the Southern Pacific Railroad, with which it is connected by a branch. It has several churches and banks, a court-house, jail, flour-mills, an active general business, and offices issuing 3 daily and 4 weekly newspapers. Pop. in 1890, 3152.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1903 - MUCH DYNAMITE EXPLODES.
PHOENIX, Ariz., June 5.- An explosion was heard here tonight in the direction of Alhambra. A freight train on the Santa Fe, Prescott & Phoenix has not arrived and the wires are down. A relief train is making upu. [sic] The supposition is that a car of dynamite on the freight train blew up.

The Duluth News Tribune, Duluth, MN 6 Jun 1903


DYNAMITE EXPLOSION.
Two Carloads on Freight Train in Arizona Blow Up.
Phoenix, Ariz., June 5. - A big explosion was heard here about 9 o'clock tonight in the direction of Alhambra.

A freight train on the Santa Fe, Prescott and Phoenix railroad has not arrived and the wires are down. Later it was learned that two cars of dynamite on the southbound freight train was blown up five miles from Phoenix. The only persons injured were Engineer Chambers and Fireman Shipp. They will both recover.

The Idaho Daily Statesman, Boise, ID 6 Jun 1903


The relief train sent out on the Santa Fe., Prescott and Phoenix railroad to investigate the cause... Read MORE...

1906
Phoenix, a city, since 1890 the capital of Arizona and the seat of justice of Maricopa co., 226 miles NE. of Yuma, on the Southern Pacific and the Santa Fe, Prescott and Phoenix Rs. It has a mining and agricultural region and is an important distributing point. It has flour-mills, iron-works, etc., and is a winter resort. Pop. in 1890, 3152; in 1900, 5544. Elevation. 1075 feet.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

1910 - UTTER DESTRUCTION OF HOTEL ADAMS. ARIZONA'S MOST FAMOUS HOSTELRY WRAPPED IN FLAME AND SMOKE WAS THE TERRIFYING YET GORGEOUS SPECTACLE WHICH SMOTE THE EYE OF THE EARLY RISING CITIZEN.
GUESTS CALLED FROM THEIR BEDS TO ENCOUNTER A STIFLING ATMOSPHERE IN THE CORRIDORS WHICH TO THE LATER ONES HAD BECOME IMPASSABLE - THE ESCAPE OF ALL WAS BY SO NARROW A MARGIN THAT IT WAS FEARED FOR A TIME THAT ALL WERE NOT SAVED.

SPLENDID WORK OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PREVENTED WHAT THREATENED TO BE WIDESPREAD CALAMITY - FIRE HAD HARDLY BEEN BROUGHT UNDER CONTROL WHEN PLANS BEGAN TO FORM FOR A NEW HOTEL ADAMS.

Phoenix, Arizona - In the greatest disaster in all the fiery record of Arizona the Hotel Adams, the largest and most expensive building in Phoenix, was utterly destroyed yesterday morning.

All that was left last night to mark where it stood was a tall chimney, an elevator shaft, the half of which had been sheared away longitudinally, and a tall spire of masonry whose fall was momentarily threatened. Men were proposing to complete the ruin and remove the menace with dynamite.

The loss of the hotel and its contents, to say nothing of the individual losses of the guests... Read MORE...

1929 - February 8 - KOY-AM in Phoenix Arizona begins radio transmissions

historyorb.com

1954 - 30 PLANES WRECKED BY 70 M.P.H. WIND.
Phoenix, June 13. - (AP) - Cartwheeling across rainswept Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, 30 light planes were wrecked yesterday in a 70-mile-an-hour blow that caused $150,000 damage.

The freakish thunderstorm hit the hangar area only. Half a mile away at the control tower, the wind was only 32 miles an hour.

Sixteen planes were a total loss. Three were swept through a cyclone fence, and one was blown more than 100 yards. Roof sections were torn off the hangars. No one was injured.

"I heard a tremendous roar," said Jim Wood of the Sun Valley air service. "Then the wind caved in the wall of my office at least a foot."
Oakland Tribune
Oakland, California
June 14, 1954

1972 - June 11 - Heavy showers brought 1.64 inches of rain to Phoenix AZ, a record for the month of June.

The Weather Channel
June 11, 1972

1990 - The hottest recorded day in Phoenix was June 26, 1990, when the temperature hit 122 degrees.

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Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Phoenix:
Desert Botanical Garden: Explore the beauty of the desert at this stunning garden. It's a perfect place to learn about the unique desert flora and fauna.

Papago Park: This park offers hiking, biking, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Don't forget to check out the Hole-in-the-Rock formation for panoramic views of the city.

Phoenix Art Museum: If you're into art, this museum houses an impressive collection of contemporary and classic works. It's a great place to spend a leisurely afternoon.

Heard Museum: Discover the rich heritage and culture of Native Americans at this museum. It showcases an extensive collection of art and artifacts.

Camelback Mountain: For the adventurous souls, hiking Camelback Mountain is a must. It's a challenging climb, but the views from the top are absolutely worth it.

Taliesin West: Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, this architectural masterpiece is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers tours that provide insight into Wright's... Read MORE...