Scottsdale, Arizona is a city with a rich history. It was founded in 1888 by U. S. Army Chaplain Winfield Scott, who purchased 640 acres of land from the federal government.
Malcolm White was named its first mayor, and Scottsdale adopted “The West's Most Western Town” as its official motto. In the early days, Scottsdale was a small agricultural community, with its main industry being livestock. The city was also the site of a German prisoner of war camp at the intersection of Scottsdale and Thomas Roads in what is now Papago Park. In the 1950s, Scottsdale began to experience rapid growth and development.
The Scottsdale Jaycees Parada del Sol, an annual month-long event that has been held in Scottsdale since 1954, was a major contributor to this growth. In addition, Brown was a partner at Mort Kimsey, incorporating Scottsdale Light and Power Company and purchasing power from the Arizona Falls power plant. Scottsdale completed the water treatment plant and began using Colorado River water from the Central Arizona Project in the 1960s. This allowed for further growth and development in the city.
In 1999, Scottsdale Community College opened a second campus at Scottsdale Airpark that allowed it to serve the business community and north of Scottsdale. Today, Scottsdale still maintains its early artistic and livestock heritage, while offering all the comforts of big-city living; with its proximity to Phoenix, much of the capital's influence and economic activity is closely linked to Scottsdale. Notable regional hubs include Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter in North Scottsdale, and Scottsdale Fashion Square in downtown Scottsdale, a major destination for high-end retailers. The downtown trolley runs through downtown Scottsdale, and the neighborhood trolley runs from downtown Scottsdale to the neighborhoods of South Scottsdale, connecting to the city of Tempe's own free public circulator, Tempe Orbit on Roosevelt and Scottsdale Road. Scottsdale Fashion Square presents Old Town Scottsdale, which is among the 30 largest malls in the country and offers exclusive shopping and luxury.
The largest is the Scottsdale Main Street Arts District, home to the largest and most diverse collection of styles and genres, the more contemporary Marshall Way Arts District, and the more touristy, Western-themed Old Town district with the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. Scottsdale has come a long way since its founding in 1888. From its humble beginnings as an agricultural community to its current status as a major destination for high-end retailers, it has maintained its unique identity while embracing modernity. It is truly “The West's Most Western Town”.
