Phoenix, Arizona

Demographics:

• The population of Phoenix is estimated at 1,567,924
• There are 545,594 households within the city limits
• The average income per household is $48,061
• People who live in Phoenix use the area codes 602,480 and 623 (Find a phone number in Phoenix here)

Many famous people have lived in Phoenix, including:
Lynda Carter, Greg Proops, Alice Cooper, Stevie Nicks, Reggie Sanders, Barry Goldwater, Sandra Day O'Connor, William Rehnquist, John McCain

Historical Notes:
Early European settlers were able to use the irrigation canals that were built by the Hohokam Indians hundreds of years before they arrived.

Phoenix was named after the mythical bird that rose from a fire even more beautiful than it was before. The city was expected to be built on the remains of an ancient civilization and become a much bigger and more prosperous area.

An old legend claims that a man named Jacob Waltz owned a gold mine in the later 1800's and hid a large amount of treasure somewhere in the Lost Dutchman State Park in Phoenix.

Although the Phoenix area was once inhabited by Native American tribes, the land was eventually abandoned, most likely due to a long-term drought. During the 1700's, explorers from Spain discovered the area and built small settlements.

By the mid 1800's, Arizona was a part of Mexico. A territorial dispute between Mexico and the United States led to the Mexican-American War in 1846, and when it was over most of the land was taken over by America. Phoenix was still considered to be part of the New Mexico area at that time, but in 1853 President Franklin Pierce signed a treaty that resolved all ongoing disputes between the two countries and called for the purchase of Arizona.

Phoenix was officially incorporated as a city in 1881. Over the next few decades railroads, waterways and even an electric streetcar were built as the population began to grow steadily. By 1912 the city had become an affluent section in Arizona, and Phoenix was declared the state capital.

In recent times Phoenix has enjoyed an impressive growth rate. It is considered to be the corporate and industrial center of the southwest, which makes it very attractive for new residents and business owners.