Phoenix: A City Literally Born From Ruins
Most people probably don't realize that Phoenix, Arizona is literally a city born from ruins. The city was founded by Jack Swilling in 1867. Swilling thought the area had great farming potential, except for lack of precipitation. So he built a series of canals that followed the paths of canals built many hundreds of years ago by a civilization known as the Hohokam.
The Hohokam civilization, which dates back to about 200AD., created about 135 miles of irrigation canals with no type of modern equipment. There is evidence that they raised cotton, tobacco, maize, beans, and more. The Hohokam disappeared between 1300 and 1450 - thus the city today known as "Phoenix" has arisen from the ruins of a proud ancient people.
The Hohokam civilization, it is believed, declined because of an inability to produce enough food and necessities to sustain the large communities which had formed over the years. For about a hundred year period beginning around 1355, the Hohokam broke up into smaller groups and moved on in search of better farming areas.
When Swilling came upon what is now Phoenix, he wanted to name it "Stonewall", after Stonewall Jackson. Lord Darrell Duppa suggested the name "Phoenix", giving a nod to the ancient civilization that had successfully occupied the area for hundreds of years. We think Duppa had the right idea.
Now that you know a little more about the meaning of the name, come check it out for yourself! There is no better place in the country to make your home that the Phoenix/Scottsdale areas of Arizona. Choice Group Realty can help you find the perfect home here for your family.
The Hohokam civilization, which dates back to about 200AD., created about 135 miles of irrigation canals with no type of modern equipment. There is evidence that they raised cotton, tobacco, maize, beans, and more. The Hohokam disappeared between 1300 and 1450 - thus the city today known as "Phoenix" has arisen from the ruins of a proud ancient people.
The Hohokam civilization, it is believed, declined because of an inability to produce enough food and necessities to sustain the large communities which had formed over the years. For about a hundred year period beginning around 1355, the Hohokam broke up into smaller groups and moved on in search of better farming areas.
When Swilling came upon what is now Phoenix, he wanted to name it "Stonewall", after Stonewall Jackson. Lord Darrell Duppa suggested the name "Phoenix", giving a nod to the ancient civilization that had successfully occupied the area for hundreds of years. We think Duppa had the right idea.
Now that you know a little more about the meaning of the name, come check it out for yourself! There is no better place in the country to make your home that the Phoenix/Scottsdale areas of Arizona. Choice Group Realty can help you find the perfect home here for your family.
Labels: Arizona, history, Hohokam, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Swilling