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Guidebook Mesa, Arizona
Profile
Mesa
is the third-largest city in the state of Arizona and is located
within one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the
United States.
With 430,000 residents, Mesa’s population is
greater than such well-known cities as Minneapolis, St. Louis,
Pittsburgh and Miami, Florida.
"Just Another Desert Sunset"
Mesa is a city emerging as a leader; evolving higher
living standards and energizing the economy. Mesa is proud to boast a
young and highly educated workforce. Mesa has the largest school
district in the state and the school system has 10,000 employees. Mesa
is also home to sixteen schools of higher learning including Arizona
School of Health Sciences (medical center) and Arizona School of Health
Sciences Dental School. Major industries include Banner Health System
(6,100 employees), Boeing (4,300 employees), AT&T (2,800 employees at
two major call centers) Talley Defense Systems, TRW Safety Systems,
General Motors Desert Proving Grounds, and Arch Chemicals, among others.
Located just minutes east of Phoenix Sky Harbor
International Airport, Mesa has nearly 320 days of sunshine each year.
Mesa has much to offer visitors year-round and is a popular worldwide
travel destination.
History
The first known settlement in the Mesa area was about
2,000 years ago. An Indian civilization now called the Hohokam (Pima
language: those who are gone), built an empire that lasted 1,500 years.
The agriculturally oriented Hohokam engineered hundreds of miles of
irrigation canals, cultivating thousands of acres of land. Although an
advanced civilization, the Hohokams vanished because of drought or
flooding, or a combination of both, between 1400 and1500 A.D..
New World explorers, missionaries and Indian tribes
traveled through Central Arizona during the next centuries. Long-term
residents did not arrive until 1877 as Mormon pioneers settled just
below the mesa next to the Salt River. In 1878 a second group of
pioneers arrived settling upon the mesa. The pioneers excavated the
ancient Hohokam canals, again bringing irrigation and ensuring the
rebirth of a community.
When these early settlers made camp along the river,
they referred to the land above the bluff as the “mesa.” This is a
Spanish word meaning table. Who suggested the word Mesa as the name of
the new townsite is not known for sure. A report in the November 21,
1883 Phoenix Herald states Captain William A. Hancock first mentioned it
to the pioneers. Residents then began referring to their community as
Mesa or Mesa City.
The original Mesa town site was one mile square. The
streets were wide to enable the horse and buggies to turn around, and
the lots large to encourage residents to plant gardens. The dirt streets
were lined with irrigation ditches that carried water to gardens,
pastures and yards. Colonists used abandoned Hohokam canals for part of
their irrigation project.
The Mesa colonists, who organized a school district
soon after their arrival in 1878, first educated their children in a
series of temporary buildings, one of which was a brush shed. The first
permanent school in Mesa was an adobe building erected in 1882 at Center
and Second Avenues.
In 1883, the town of Mesa City was incorporated after
residents asked the county for permission to establish a local
government. At the first election, ten city officials were elected. For
many years Mesa’s government and population was small. In 1941 the
population was 7,000 and the town of Mesa owned just one building.
After incorporation, and in less than 20 years, three
important services came to Mesa. The railroad came in 1895, Mesa’s first
electricity was acquired in 1898, and telephone service arrived in 1902.
In 1912 one of Mesa’s earliest cotton gins was
purchased and soon thousands of acres of land were planted with cotton.
Cotton and citrus were two of Mesa’s most important crops, and within a
few years Mesa farmers raised grain, melons, alfalfa, vegetables, and
other fruits. Livestock, dairy and poultry farming were also businesses
of note.
In 1927 Salt River Valley Mormons dedicated the
Arizona Temple, whose design was inspired by Solomon’s Temple in
Jerusalem. With its completion local Mormons no longer had to travel to
Utah to be married.
Mesa residents dedicated Rendezvous Park, their first
city park, in 1938 at Second Street and Center. It boasted a swimming
pool, skating rink, tennis courts, and a floodlit baseball field.
Because of the war in Europe, two military airports
were built near Mesa in 1941. Williams Field was constructed to train
American pilots and British pilots trained at Falcon Field. Falcon Field
was closed at the conclusion of the war and turned over to the city of
Mesa, which converted it to a municipal airport. Williams Field operated
as an Air Force training base until 1993 and was acquired by the city in
1994 and reopened as Williams Gateway Airport.
In 1952 Mesa became the Spring Training home of the
Chicago Cubs, and the course of sports history for the city was changed
forever. Before that, baseball was played in the area, but real
expansion of baseball at all levels began with the Cubs arrival more
than a half-century ago. Today Mesa and the Cubs, along with eleven
other Major League teams, provide fans with the ultimate in Spring
Training action during March of each year.
In 1954 Mesa opened its first shopping center and nine
years later Mesa Community College opened its doors to 615 students.
Today the college has an enrollment of more than 27,000 and a second
campus has been established.
Mesa today is unique among cities in the Phoenix
Metroplex as it offers area guests great outdoor activities such as
hiking and boating. Visitors to this recreation mecca can also enjoy
horseback riding, a paddle wheel boat ride, wilderness Jeep tours, or
tee-off at one of the more than 40 golf courses within a half-hour
drive. The mysterious Superstition Mountains, located 20 minutes from
downtown and home to the famous Lost Dutchman Gold Mine, have numerous
hiking trails and exciting places to explore. Four lakes are also
situated in the Superstitions and each has excellent boating and
fishing.
While Mesa is located next to the Tonto National
Forest and offers the feel of a small community, the city is thriving
and dynamic. There are 70 hotels, resorts and motels varying in
amenities from first-class, full-service properties to cozy inns.
Shopping and Dining
Mesa shoppers have three shopping malls with a large
variety of shops from which to choose. Superstition Springs Center
offers five major anchors and 150 specialty stores and restaurants. Four
major anchors and 140 specialty stores make up Fiesta Mall. Factory
Stores of America is unique in that it features outlet stores with
discounts every day.
Part of Mesa’s rich history is citrus production. The
industry began more than a half-century ago and approximately 10 citrus
stands are open during the season in east Mesa.
Restaurants with nearly every food imaginable are plentiful in Mesa.
Specialty cuisines include Asian, German, Hawaiian, Mediterranean and
Middle Eastern, and Southwestern. Mesa is abundant in American, Italian,
Mexican, and seafood traditional favorites
From gourmet establishments to rustic old west grills, Mesa’s
restaurants will tempt you to enjoy. The city boasts eateries rich in
history and a variety of restaurants independently owned.
Outdoor Recreation
Mesa is unique among cities in the Phoenix
Metropolitan area. Even though it is thriving, dynamic and the third
largest city in Arizona, it is located next to the Tonto National
Forest. Visitors can take advantage of being next to a recreation mecca.
Mesa’s near-perfect weather makes it possible to enjoy
the outdoors year-round. Visitors can tee-off at one of more than 40
golf courses within a half-hour drive from downtown. Many of Arizona’s
most renowned courses are located in or around Mesa, and are places of
diverse natural wonder. Mesa area golf courses make it possible for you
to enjoy many types of golf experiences.
There are six lakes and two rivers within 60 miles of
Mesa that let you experience desert boating, swimming, fishing, sailing
and water skiing, or you can hop on your own personal rubber raft and
float leisurely along the cool waters of the Salt River.
The Superstition Mountains just east of Mesa provide
the opportunity to explore adventures that will last a lifetime. Jeep
tours, hiking treks, mountain biking, camping trips, multi-day off road
excursions, helicopter tours and more await the outdoor enthusiast.
Horseback riding, hay wagon rides, breakfast and dinner campfire
cookouts and even cattle drives will enhance your Mesa outdoor
experience.
Other areas nearby:
APACHE JUNCTION
Although incorporated in 1978, Apache Junction has a long and colorful
history. The past boasts early ancient Indian cultures and Spanish
conquistadors to western ranchers and prospectors.
In the shadow of the Superstition Mountains, and just
east of Mesa, Apache Junction is 30 minutes from downtown Phoenix. This
rural setting features both rural and urban amenities, and is easily
accessible from anywhere in the Valley of the Sun via Highway 60. Its
current population of 32,000 in the incorporated limits expands to well
over 50,000 when the Gold Canyon area is included. The population of the
area doubles during winter visitor season.
Apache Junction is the trailhead to the discovery of
eastern Arizona. Highway 88, or the historic Apache Trail, is one of the
most scenic, magnificent drives one can experience. Along the roadway,
visitors will see the wonders of the Superstition Mountains, and many
will speculate on the whereabouts of the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine.
When visiting the Apache Junction and Gold Canyon
areas you will find everything for a great leisure experience. There are
lakes to fish, ski and boat, to trails for hiking and horseback riding
through Lost Dutchman State Park and the Peralta Trailheads. Museums, a
ghost town, and golf are here, and there is even some great pampering
amenities with spas and healthful living adventures just a phone call
away.
Apache Junction hosts the historic Lost Dutchman Days
in February. Also in February, and in March, visitors can enjoy royal
revelry at the popular Renaissance Festival. The Superstition Mountains,
Apache Junction and Gold Canyon are a “must see” on any visit to
Arizona. Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce, 567 West Apache Trail,
Apache Junction, AZ 85220, 480-982-3141, 800-252-3141.
www.apachejunctioncoc.com
GILBERT
Located south of Mesa and southeast of Phoenix, Gilbert is rapidly
growing with a current population of 145,000. The population doubles
every five years. The town’s heritage is rich in the agricultural
industry and offers a high standard of living for everyone. From
Gilbert’s establishment in 1905 as a railroad siding, to shipping
alfalfa hay worldwide, to the quality amenities offered today, Gilbert
is recognized as an up-and-coming East Valley community. Named for
Robert Gilbert who donated land for the railroad station, the town
maintains a proud sense of its small town flavor and charm, while
offering the modern amenities expected in a community of this size.
The Gilbert Days celebration held annually in November
hosts one of the 10 largest rodeos in the U.S., and a one and one-half
mile rodeo parade in addition to a carnival, entertainment and other
planned Western activities. Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, 202 N. Gilbert
Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85234, P.O. Box 527, Gilbert, AZ 85299-0527,
480-892-0056. www.gilbertaz.com
QUEEN CREEK
The beautiful town of Queen Creek is located in the southeast corner of
Maricopa County. Queen Creek is known for its friendly people and rural
atmosphere, characteristics established even before the town was
incorporated in 1989. Today Queen Creek continues to maintain these
characteristics while providing managed change in the face of rapid
growth.
Queen Creek boasts an award-winning General Plan,
created by the residents and town staff, which outlines expansion of
economic and recreational opportunities, while supporting a small town
spirit. Current and future plans for the growing community of just over
7,500 include and extensive parks and trails system centered around the
town’s two major wash systems, conversion of the local landfill to a
major equestrian park, expansion of recreation facilities and
development of the downtown area. Queen Creek is also a partner with
Williams Gateway Airport and the town supports its development as an
asset to the economic future of the East Valley. Town of Queen Creek,
22350 S. Ellsworth Rd., Queen Creek, AZ 85242, 480-987-9887.
www.queencreek.org
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