History of Mesa, AZ
Mesa is the third largest city found in the state of Arizona, with a population of nearly 440,000 inhabitants. Unlike the average American city with a history stretching back a few centuries, Mesa can trace its origins as far back as 2000 years thanks to the Hohokam people who called the area home. It was not until the 19th century that Western settlers officially founded the city as it is known today. Today the city of Mesa can be reached via the Phoenix International Airport, and boats cultural attractions like the Mesa Arts Center, Mesa Mormon Temple and the Mesa Historical Museum. Countless visitors head to the city every year, which has retained a small town feel despite the increasing population.
Information provided as an educational resource on behalf of the Mesa injury attorney firm of Goldberg & Osborne.
The history of Mesa would begin first with the Hohokam people, who arrived some 2,000 years ago to the site of today's Mesa in order to build a canal system. The name Hohokam means "The Departed Ones," or "All Used Up." Despite being a prehistoric people, the Hohokam were able to build impressive canal systems stretching over 16 miles of land, and in some places up to 90 feet deep. After 300 years of continued building, the area was an oasis, and in 1450 AD there were hundreds of miles of canals throughout the desert environment of today's Arizona, many of which are used to this day.
Between the 15th century and the 19th century, little of Mesa's history can be accounted for. However, in March of 1877 the Latter Day Saints sent out an expedition from nearby St. George, Utah that was led by Daniel Webster Jones. They settled in an area that eventually went by the name of Lehi, at the suggestion of LDS leader Brigham Young, Jr. During the same time period, a second group set out and settles nearby, establishing the area known as Mesa. They quickly set up a canal system using the Hohokam canals, and had a water source for the desert environment. The settlements of Mesa and Lehi merged gradually into one city.
The town reached a population of 300 in 1883, meaning it was considered an official incorporated city. Significant infrastructure growth occurred during the Great Depression, thanks to the WPA who built a town hall, library, hospitals and new paved streets. The nearby air bases of Williams Field and Flacon Field were opened in the 1940's, which resulted in a population increase from military personnel. In recent decades, the city's economy has turned away from agriculture and toward other industries, much like many other American cities.
Goldberg & Osborne, a personal injury law firm, has provided this article for informational purposes only, written by an independent author, and has not reviewed or edited this article and is not responsible for its content or accuracy.
Information provided as an educational resource on behalf of the Mesa injury attorney firm of Goldberg & Osborne.
The history of Mesa would begin first with the Hohokam people, who arrived some 2,000 years ago to the site of today's Mesa in order to build a canal system. The name Hohokam means "The Departed Ones," or "All Used Up." Despite being a prehistoric people, the Hohokam were able to build impressive canal systems stretching over 16 miles of land, and in some places up to 90 feet deep. After 300 years of continued building, the area was an oasis, and in 1450 AD there were hundreds of miles of canals throughout the desert environment of today's Arizona, many of which are used to this day.
Between the 15th century and the 19th century, little of Mesa's history can be accounted for. However, in March of 1877 the Latter Day Saints sent out an expedition from nearby St. George, Utah that was led by Daniel Webster Jones. They settled in an area that eventually went by the name of Lehi, at the suggestion of LDS leader Brigham Young, Jr. During the same time period, a second group set out and settles nearby, establishing the area known as Mesa. They quickly set up a canal system using the Hohokam canals, and had a water source for the desert environment. The settlements of Mesa and Lehi merged gradually into one city.
The town reached a population of 300 in 1883, meaning it was considered an official incorporated city. Significant infrastructure growth occurred during the Great Depression, thanks to the WPA who built a town hall, library, hospitals and new paved streets. The nearby air bases of Williams Field and Flacon Field were opened in the 1940's, which resulted in a population increase from military personnel. In recent decades, the city's economy has turned away from agriculture and toward other industries, much like many other American cities.
Goldberg & Osborne, a personal injury law firm, has provided this article for informational purposes only, written by an independent author, and has not reviewed or edited this article and is not responsible for its content or accuracy.
