Situation and characteristics
Phoenix, capital of the state of Arizona, lies in the valley of the Salt River (which is frequently dry), in a basin known as the Valley of the Sun. The warm, dry climate attracts many sun-lovers, particularly in winter,
and also appeals to senior citizens. Irrigation, with water pounded by dams, has made Phoenix and the surrounding area a green oasis in the middle of the desert. Agriculture (cotton, citrus and tropical fruit, vegetables) makes an important contribution to the economy. In recent years many research and development laboratories and firms engaged in the communications technology, aero-space and electronics industries have been established in and around the city. Tourism is showing a sharp increase. The city acquires a special character from the juxtaposition of high-rise modern buildings with architecture showing Indian and Spanish colonial influences, together with a touch of the Wild West. Sport plays a great part in the life of Phoenix, which has numerous golf courses and tennis courts as well as its local football and basketball teams, the Phoenix Cardinals and the Phoenix Suns.
History
Around 200 BC the Phoenix region was occupied by Hohokam Indians, who already knew how to make the desert fertile by irrigation. Amid the remains of settlements and irrigation channels left by the Hohokams, who mysteriously disappeared in the 13th or 14th century, a white settler established himself in 1864 to supply the needs of an army post. In the 1870s a new settlement grew up on the remains of the lost Indian culture and was named after the mythological phoenix which rose from its own ashes. In 1889 Phoenix became capital of Arizona, and after the completion of the Roosevelt Dam in 1911 developed into a regular boom town, which was given an additional boost by the coming of the railroad in 1926. Further stimulus came to the economy after the Second World War and from the "Sun Belt" migration which began in the late sixties. Since the end of the war the population of Phoenix has multiplied more than tenfold.
Phoenix offers abundant art and cultural attractions, historic neighborhoods, museums and a diverse art community. Some of the highlights include the Phoenix Art Museum, Arizona Historical Society Museum, Phoenix Symphony Hall, Wrigley Mansion and Encanto Park. The artistic tapestry in Phoenix includes Native American, Hispanic, African and Asian influences.
There are three mountains around Phoenix that provide the opportunity for hiking, biking and climbing. Horseback riding and water recreation are also popular.
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