Timeline of Phoenix, Arizona

The following is a timeline of the history of the city of Phoenix, Arizona, United States.

Prior to 19th century

1–300 – Hohokam establish several villages along the Gila River.
300 – Ceramics appear in the Hohokam culture.
450 – Pueblo Grande settled (approximate date).
600–1300 – Hohokam build large network or irrigation canals throughout the area.
1300 – Hohokam have largest population in the southwest.{{cite web|title=The Hohokam|url=http://www.azmnh.org/arch/hohokam.aspx|publisher=Arizona Museum of Natural History, City of Mesa|access-date=30 November 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130091322/http://www.azmnh.org/arch/hohokam.aspx|archive-date=30 November 2012}}
1300–1450 – Periods of drought alternate with flooding (approximate date).
1450 – Pueblo Grande abandoned due to drought (approximate date).

19th century

File:1888 Orozco ad Phoenix Arizona.png

1848 – With the end of the Mexican–American War, the area which includes today's Phoenix becomes part of the United States, as part of the New Mexico Territory.{{cite book|author=Spencer C. Tucker|title=The Encyclopedia of the Mexican–American War: A Political, Social, and Military History|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=I9ceNvefrToC&pg=PA255|year=2012|publisher=ABC-CLIO|page=255|isbn=9781851098545}}
1863 – Nearby Wickenburg becomes the first town to be established in what is now Maricopa County, Arizona.{{cite web | url=http://www.ci.wickenburg.az.us/index.aspx?NID=299 | title=Town of Wickenburg History | publisher=Wickenburg, Arizona | access-date=25 February 2014}}
1865 – Camp McDowell (later Fort McDowell) is set up on the Verde River.{{cite web | url=http://www.legendsofamerica.com/az-fortmcdowell.html | title=Fort McDowell – In the Midst of the Apache Wars | publisher=Legends of America}}
1867
November: Jack Swilling, resident of Wickenburg, establishes the Swilling Irrigating and Canal Company with the intent to develop the Phoenix area, which he became impressed with after viewing the area on a visit to Camp McDowell.{{sfn|Grady|2012|pp=1, 5}}
December: Swilling leads a group of 17 miners from Wickenburg to the Phoenix area and begins the process of developing a canal system.{{sfn|VanderMeer|2010|p=15}}
1868
May 4: Phoenix is officially recognized by the Board of Supervisors of Yavapai County, which at that point contained Phoenix.{{cite web | url=https://www.phoenix.gov/pio/city-publications/city-history | publisher=City of Phoenix | title=City of Phoenix History | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404003303/https://www.phoenix.gov/pio/city-publications/city-history | archive-date=April 4, 2015}}
June 15: First post office established, in the Swilling homestead, with Swilling as postmaster.{{sfn|Gober|2006|p=17}}
Swilling has completed almost 3 miles of his canals.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
Mary Adeline Gray, the first European woman settler, and her husband Columbus, arrive. They brought with them their African-American domestic servant Mary Green, who would become the Territory's first black settler.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
Salt River floods for the first of many times during Phoenix's settlement.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
1870
October 20: Town site selected in what is currently downtown Phoenix.{{sfn|Grady|2012|pp=61–65}}
Town laid out,{{sfn|Disturnell|1881}}{{sfn|Britannica|1910}} original town site consists of 320 acres, or 0.5 square miles.{{sfn|VanderMeer|2010|p=28}}
Population of the Salt River Valley reaches 240, the Arizona Territory has 9,658 people.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
1700 acres under cultivation in the Salt River Valley.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
Maricopa Canal completed.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
1871
February 12: Maricopa County is broken out of Yavapai County, Phoenix becomes the county seat.{{sfn|Britannica|1910}}{{cite web | url=http://thenaturalamerican.com/phoenix_history.htm | publisher=The Natural American | title=Phoenix Valley History | access-date=June 28, 2015 | archive-date=November 4, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104021420/http://thenaturalamerican.com/phoenix_history.htm | url-status=dead }}
July 4: First wheat ground in Valley at Birchard's Mill.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
First permanent building, the Hancock residence, is constructed at Washington and First Streets.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
The second building, a brewery, is constructed.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
The first store (Hancock's) and the first church (Central Methodist) open in Phoenix.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
The Tempe Irrigating Canal Co. is created.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
Tempe founded by Charles T. Hayden.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
Population of Phoenix reaches 500.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
1872
Adobe schoolhouse constructed.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
September 5: Public school in session.
Phoenix's first wedding, between George Buck and Matilda Murray.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
Phoenix's first Chinese settlers arrive.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
The first bookstore and newsstand opened by Edward Irvine.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
1873 – Hellings Mill expands to include a hog-slaughterhouse.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
1874
School built on Center Street.
Hayden's mill opens. It will remain in operation for more than 100 years.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
Phoenix's formal patent for the town site is formally granted.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
Salt River floods.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
1875 – Salt River floods.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
1877 – Maricopa Library Association organized.{{sfn|Disturnell|1881}}
1878
Salt River Herald, the valley's first newspaper, begins publication.
The first bank, a branch of the Bank of Arizona, opens.{{sfn|VanderMeer|2010|p=20}}
Population reaches 1500.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
Brick factory opens.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
Grand Canal completed.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
Mesa is founded.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
1879
Presbyterian church established.{{sfn|Disturnell|1881}}
Salt River Indian Reservation is formed.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
The Southern Pacific railroad reaches Maricopa.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
1880
Arizona Gazette newspaper begins publication.
Methodist church established.{{sfn|Disturnell|1881}}
Population: 1,800.{{sfn|Disturnell|1881}}
First legal hanging in Maricopa County.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
1881
February 25: Phoenix officially incorporated when Governor John C. Frémont signs "The Phoenix Charter Bill", instituting a mayor-council form of government.{{sfn|Britannica|1910}}
La Guardia, the valley's first Spanish language newspaper, begins publication.{{cite web | url=http://archive.azcentral.com/centennial/ent/articles/2011/06/24/20110624architecture-phoenix-builders-developers-arizona-history.html | publisher=Arizona Republic | date=June 24, 2011 | title=People who built Phoenix: 1865–1912 | last=Nilsen | first=Richard | access-date=June 30, 2015}}
May 3: John T. Alsap defeated James D. Monihon, 127 to 107, to become the city's first mayor.
May 9: City Council begins meeting.{{cite web |url=http://phoenix.gov/citygovernment/facts/history/index.html |title=History |publisher=City of Phoenix |access-date=March 25, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130405010633/http://phoenix.gov/citygovernment/facts/history/index.html |archive-date=April 5, 2013 }}
June 24: Catholic church dedicated.{{sfn|Disturnell|1881}}
Phoenix Rangers organized in response to hostile Apache activity in Tonto Basin.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
1883
Cotton cultivation is brought to the valley.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
Two smallpox outbreaks. City creates the position of Health Officer.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
Mesa City incorporates.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}

File:Phoenix1885-AerialMap HiRes.jpg

1884
Arizona Industrial Exposition begins.{{Citation |publisher = S.J. Clarke Publishing Co. |location = Chicago |author = James H. McClintock |author-link=James H. McClintock |title = Arizona: Prehistoric, Aboriginal, Pioneer, Modern |date = 1916 |ol = 7024158M }} [https://archive.org/stream/arizonaprehistor02mcclrich#page/n3/mode/2up v.2]{{Citation |publisher = Arizona Industrial Exposition Association |location = Phoenix |title = Premium list; Fourth Annual Exhibit, Arizona Industrial Exposition Association, October 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona |date = 1887 |ol = 7208542M }}
Valley Bank founded by William Christy.
The Women's Christian Temperance Union opens a Phoenix branch.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
Phoenix Light & Fuel (electricity and heat) is established{{Cite web|url=http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/pinnacle-west-capital-corporation-history/|title=History of Pinnacle West Capital Corporation – FundingUniverse|website=www.fundinguniverse.com|access-date=2016-06-17}}
1885
Arizona Canal completed.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
Phoenix broken up into four wards, although city officials remain citywide offices.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
Destructive fire destroys major portions of the town.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
Arizona Insane Asylum is awarded to Phoenix.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
1886
A second major fire destroys several buildings and results in approximately $100,000 in damage.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
Phoenix Fire Department established, when bond issue passes establishing 2 fire companies.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
First private gas lighting company established.{{sfn|VanderMeer|2010|p=28}}
First telephone company opens.{{sfn|VanderMeer|2010|p=20}}
Phoenix Opera House is completed.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
Arizona Insane asylum's construction is completed.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
1887
Maricopa-Phoenix railway and horse-drawn Street Railway begin operating.{{cite journal |title=Busy Railroad in a Rich Country: the Arizona Eastern ... |journal= Southern Pacific Bulletin |date=August 1921 |location=San Francisco |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Fxc9AAAAYAAJ&pg=RA17-PA3 }}
Public water system created.{{sfn|VanderMeer|2010|p=20}}
Public Health Department is established.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
Mule-drawn streetcar system established.{{sfn|VanderMeer|2010|p=20}}
Salt River Valley News begins weekly publication.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
1888
Electric power company created.{{sfn|VanderMeer|2010|p=20}}
New city hall opens.
November 4 – Phoenix Chamber of Commerce established.{{cite web|url=http://www.city-data.com/us-cities/The-West/Phoenix-History.html|title=Phoenix: History|publisher=City-Data.com|access-date=4 February 2014}}
Peoria is founded.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
1889
Capital of Arizona Territory relocated to Phoenix from Prescott.{{sfn|Britannica|1910}}
Citrus cultivation is begun in the valley by the Arizona Improvement Company.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
1890
Arizona Republican newspaper begins publication.{{cite web |url= http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/search/titles/results/?state=Arizona&county=Maricopa&city=Phoenix&year1=1690&year2=2013&terms=&frequency=&language=ðnicity=&labor=&material_type=&lccn=&rows=50&sort=date |title=US Newspaper Directory |location=Washington, D.C. |work=Chronicling America |publisher=Library of Congress |access-date=March 25, 2013 }}
Population: 3,152.{{sfn|Britannica|1910}}
Walnut Grove dam bursts north of the city, 50 people killed.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
Ladies Benevolent Society formed.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
1891
Phoenix Indian School opens.
Largest flood in valley history occurs.{{sfn|VanderMeer|2010|p=28}}
Telephones come to Phoenix.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
A territorial convention is held in Phoenix. The idea of becoming a state is discussed, but is voted down.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
1892
The Phoenix Sewer and Drainage Department is created.{{sfn|VanderMeer|2010|p=28}}
The Phoenix Indian School holds its first classes.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
1893
The Phoenix Street Railway switches over from mule-drawn to electrical streetcars.{{sfn|VanderMeer|2010|p=28}}
The Arizona Territory passes a law allowing cities, including Phoenix, to annex land surrounding the city, as long as it obtained the permission of the inhabitants of that area.
1894
Orangedale (later called Scottsdale) is founded by Winfield Scott.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
The city passes an ordinance limiting prostitution to a single block area.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
The city's speed limit is raised to 6 mph.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
Tempe incorporates.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
1895
Santa Fe, Prescott and Phoenix Railway begins operating.
Arizona Gazette newspaper begins publication.
Phoenix Union High School opens, and the Phoenix Union High School district is created.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
Rosson House built in downtown Phoenix.{{cite web | url=http://heritagesquarephx.org/visit/the-rosson-house/ | publisher=Heritage Square | title=The Rosson House | date=4 December 2013 | access-date=June 29, 2015}}
Sisters of Mercy Hospital (today called St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center) opens.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
The New York Store is opened by Sam Korrick; Nathan and Isaac Diamond open the Boston Store; and Baron Goldwater opens a branch of his Flagstaff store, M. Goldwater and Brothers.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
1896
The Adams Hotel opens.
Date Palms are introduced into the valley.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
1897
The Friday Club begins a movement to open a public library.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
1898
El Demócrata newspaper begins publication.
The block of the red-light district is now illegal.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
Doris Opera House Opens.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
First public library opens.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
1899 – Phoenix Library Association created.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
1900
Dorris Theatre opens (approximate date).{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IlE6AQAAIAAJ |title=Julius Cahn's Official Theatrical Guide |year=1900 }}
City accesses unincorporated lands, area increases from .5 acre to over 2 acres.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
In spite of efforts by the Women's Temperance Union, Phoenix has 28 saloons and 18 casinos.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
First automobiles arrive in the city.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
Population: 5,544.{{sfn|Britannica|1910}}

20th century

=1900s=

1901
February 25: The State Capitol building is dedicated, built at a cost of $130,000.
Drought hits the city.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
The Phoenix Women's Club is founded.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
1903
February 7: Salt River Project founded (as the Salt River Valley Water Users' Association).{{cite web|url=http://www.srpnet.com/about/history/timeline.aspx |title=Salt River Project: Historical timeline |publisher=Srpnet.com |access-date=2012-06-19}}{{cite web|url=http://www.az100years.org/az-experience/this-day-in-arizona-history-2/|title=This Day in Arizona History|publisher=AZ100Years.org|access-date=4 February 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202132416/http://www.az100years.org/az-experience/this-day-in-arizona-history-2/|archive-date=2 February 2014}}
Voters approve a bond to create a municipal waterworks.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
1905
The largest agricultural crop is alfalfa.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
Flooding once again causes issues in the city.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
1906
Construction begins on the Theodore Roosevelt Dam.{{cite web|url=http://www.hellophoenix.com/history.cfm |title=Phoenix History |publisher=Hello Phoenix | access-date=4 February 2014}}
Gambling is outlawed in the city.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
1907
St. Luke's Home, a tuberculosis treatment center, opens.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
The YMCA raises $100,000 to construct a building in town.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
1908
Salt River again floods.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
Granite Reef dam completed.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
Carnegie Library is completed and open to the public.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
1909 – The Central Avenue bridge over the Salt River is approved.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}

=1910s=

1910
Speed limit is increased to 12 mph in city limits; city has 329 licensed cars.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
City schools establish an official segregation policy.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
The Adams Hotel is destroyed by fire, but is rebuilt.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
Guidelines concerning surface water rights are established by the Kent decree.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
Population reaches 11,134.{{sfn|Britannica|1910}}
1911
May 18: Roosevelt Dam dedicated by Theodore Roosevelt, it is the first multi-purpose (electricity and water) dam built under the National Reclamation Act.
Center Street Bridge opens.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
1912
February 14: Arizona becomes the 48th state of the United States; Phoenix becomes the state capital.
Women are granted the right to vote.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
Chandler is founded by Alexander Chandler.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
1913
City adopts council-manager form of government (previously mayor-council), becoming one of the first cities in the country to adopt this form of government.{{cite web |url=http://phoenix.gov/CITYGOV/history.html#ESTABLISH |title=Out of the Ashes, Establishing a Council-Manager Government City of Phoenix |publisher=Phoenix.gov |access-date=2012-06-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214011434/http://phoenix.gov/citygovernment/facts/history/index.html#ESTABLISH |archive-date=2014-02-14 }}
35% of the votes cast were by women.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
City has 646 registered automobiles.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
Ash Avenue Bridge is completed.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
1914
Arizona votes to ban alcohol.{{sfn|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}
William Fairish becomes the city's first manager.{{cite web | url=http://archive.azcentral.com/centennial/ent/articles/2011/07/22/20110722arizona-architecture-timeline-valley-1912-45.html | publisher=The Arizona Republic | title=Timeline: The Valley 1912–45 | date=July 22, 2011 | access-date=June 30, 2015}}
1915
St. Mary's Basilica dedicated.
The city's first sewer treatment plant is completed.
1917
Arizona adopts its state flag.
Litchfield is founded when the Goodyear Tire Company purchases a tract of land.
Salt River Valley Water Users Association gains control of the Salt River Project.
Migrant workers from Mexico are brought in to pick cotton.
1918
Alfalfa falls to the number two agricultural product, behind cotton.
The Rialto Theatre opens.
Spanish flu infects a significant portion of the population.
1919 – In anticipation of the upcoming U.S. Census, the city votes to extend the city limits.

=1920s=

1920
Congregation Beth Israel formed.{{cite web |url=http://azjhs.org/History_of_the_CPJHC.html |title= History |publisher=Arizona Jewish Historical Society |access-date=March 25, 2013}}
The Heard Building, the first skyscraper in Phoenix, is constructed.
Phoenix Union High School has 2000 students.
The entirety of the original Phoenix town site is now completely paved.
A precipitous drop in the price of cotton, from $1.35 to $0.35 a pound, creates a financial crisis in the valley.
Phoenix has over 11,000 registered vehicles.
Chandler is incorporated.
Population reaches 29,053.
1921
Temple Beth Israel, the valley's first synagogue, opens.{{cite web | url=http://www.discoverphoenixarizona.com/cutler-plotkin.html | publisher=Discover Phoenix | title=Cutler Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center | access-date=June 29, 2015}}
"Rich, Resolute, Ready, Phoenix, Salt River Valley" becomes the official tourism slogan of Phoenix.
1922
Valley and Gila River Banks merge.
Water from the Verde River becomes available through a {{convert|30|mi|km|adj=mid|-long}} wooden pipeline.
KFAD becomes the city's first radio station (later renamed KTAR; it was followed shortly by KFCB, which today is called KOY).
1923
Cave Creek Dam is completed.
Salt River Project absorbs the Tempe Irrigating Canal Company.
Union Station built.
Deaconess Hospital (today known as Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center) opens.
1924
Luhrs Building constructed.
The depression caused by the drop in the cotton price in 1920 ends.
Phoenix Sanitarium opens.
Jokake Inn opens.
South Mountain Park (originally named Phoenix Mountain Park) is created.
1925
12 subdivisions are annexed by Phoenix.
Phoenix Fine Arts Association formed.{{cite web | url=http://www.phxart.org/visit/aboutus/historyandmission | publisher=Phoenix Art Museum | title=History & Mission | access-date=June 29, 2015 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905093835/http://www.phxart.org/visit/aboutus/historyandmission | archive-date=September 5, 2015 }}
The private electric streetcar system is purchased by the City of Phoenix for $20,000.
Mormon Flat Dam completed.
Voters approve a separate high school for blacks.
First municipal airport is opened, near Christy Road and 59th Avenue.{{cite web | url=http://www.chandleraz.gov/default.aspx?pageid=1025 | publisher=City of Chandler | title=Airport History Timeline | access-date=June 30, 2015}}
City implements a zoning program.
1926
The Phoenix Main Line of the Southern Pacific Railroad is completed, intercontinental rail will begin being routed through Phoenix the following year.
The first Annual Masque of the Yellow Moon is held.
The segregated Phoenix Union Colored High School opens.
1927
Salt River Canal is diverted underground.
Phoenix voters approve a $750,000 bond issue to improve the street car system.
Horse Mesa Dam is completed.
1928
Hotel San Carlos and Westward Ho hotel open.
Phoenix completes 2 years of annexation, absorbing 74 subdivisions.
Construction of Sky Harbor Airport is begun.{{cite web | url=http://skyharbor.com/about/earlyYears.html | title=1935 and The Farm – Sky Harbor's Early Years and Memories | publisher=skyharbor.com | date=30 August 1930 | access-date=5 February 2014}}
Phoenix Little Theatre is incorporated.
The first paved road connecting Phoenix with Los Angeles (via Blythe), is completed.
City creates a zoning and planning commission.
1929
February 23: Arizona Biltmore Hotel opens.
February 23: Scheduled airline service from Los Angeles to Phoenix begins.
September 2: Sky Harbor Airport opens.
City sells municipal airport.
Heard Museum opens.{{cite web |url=http://www.heard.org/about/history.html |title=Heard Museum History |publisher=Heard Museum |access-date=March 25, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130311053016/http://www.heard.org/about/history.html |archive-date=March 11, 2013 }}
The Tempe Normal School is renamed Arizona State Teachers College.{{cite web |url= http://www.azarchivesonline.org/xtf/view?docId=ead/asu/tnsrec.xml |title= Tempe Normal School Records, 1885–1930 MSS-149 |author= |year= 2014 |publisher= Arizona Archives Online |access-date=May 27, 2014}}
Orpheum Theatre and First Baptist Church built.
City Archaeologist position established.{{cite web |url=http://phoenix.gov/parks/culture/museum/pueblo/archaeology/index.html |title=City Archaeology |publisher=City of Phoenix |access-date=March 25, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130308130600/http://phoenix.gov/parks/culture/museum/pueblo/archaeology/index.html |archive-date=March 8, 2013 }}
Tourism revenue tops $10 million for first time.
Phoenix has over 53,000 registered cars.

=1930s=

1930
March 4: Coolidge Dam dedicated by Calvin Coolidge.
American Airlines brings passenger and air postal service to Phoenix.
KTAR becomes an NBC affiliate.
Stuart Mountain Dam is completed.
The high school installs lights in its athletic stadium.
Population reaches 48,118.
1931
Hunt's Tomb built in Papago Park.
Construction on Tovrea Castle completed.{{cite web | url=http://www.preservationnation.org/magazine/story-of-the-week/2001/Phoenix-Guards-Its-Castle-Against-Desert-Sprawl.html#.VZH9uWfbLIU | publisher=National Trust for Historic Preservation | title=An Arizona Fairy Tale | access-date=June 29, 2015}}
Fox Movie Palace opens.
1932
Wrigley Mansion completed.{{cite web | url=http://www.wrigleymansion.com/about-the-wrigley-mansion/ | publisher=Wrigley Mansion Club | title=Everyday Extraordinary | access-date=June 29, 2015}}
State of Arizona repeals state law banning alcohol.
The inaugural Phoenix Open is held.
1933
Since the start of the Great Depression, 33% of banks and savings & loans in the valley have failed.
Over 300 bars have obtained liquor licenses since the repeal of the Arizona state law banning alcohol.
Pueblo Grande Museum Archaeological Park opens.
1934
Encanto Park opens in central Phoenix.
The term, "Valley of the Sun" is invented by a local advertising agency.
1935
July 16: The city of Phoenix purchases Sky Harbor Airport, which has been run by the city ever since.{{cite web | url=https://skyharbor.com/about/terminal1.html | publisher=Sky Harbor Airport | title=Where is Terminal 1? | access-date=June 29, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140204223316/http://skyharbor.com/about/terminal1.html | archive-date=February 4, 2014}}
The Federal government becomes the largest employer in Phoenix.
1936 – Federal Building-U.S. Post Office built.
1937
Federal Art Center established, which will become the Phoenix Art Museum.
Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District is created.
1938 – Phoenix Thunderbirds are created by the Chamber of Commerce.
1939
Desert Botanical Garden opens.
Bartlett Dam completed.
The city's second high school, North High School, opens.

=1940s=

1940
Civic Center Association formed to raise funds for Phoenix Art Center. It was dissolved in 1955 when all fund raising and archival activities were taken over by the Fine Arts Association.
Population reaches 65,414.
1941
January 2: Construction begins on Thunderbird Field in nearby Glendale (later renamed Thunderbird Field No. 1), funded by a collaborative group of Hollywood personalities, including James Stewart, Henry Fonda, Cary Grant, and Margaret Sullavan. The field opens in April.
Luke Air Force Base opens, its first class graduating in June.
Williams Air Force Base opens in December.
Falcon Field opens in nearby Mesa as a training location for British RAF pilots.
Urban renewal project creates 3 new housing developments: Marcos de Niza Project for Mexicans, Matthew Henson Project for Blacks, and Frank Luke Jr. Project for Whites.
1942
April 1: the Desert Training Center, formed by General George S. Patton, is created. The base, located in the Mojave Desert in Southern California and the Sonoran Desert in western Arizona, stretched to within 50 miles of Phoenix.{{cite book|last=Henley|first=David C.|title=The Land That God Forgot: The Saga of Gen. George Patton's Desert Training Camp|year=1992|edition=revised|publisher=Western Military History Association|location=Fallon, Nevada|pages=54|oclc=76951993}}
June 22: Thunderbird Field #2 opens in nearby Scottsdale. Later renamed Scottsdale Airport.
November 26: Black troops from segregated units riot in Phoenix.{{cite web|url=http://www.blackpast.org/aaw/phoenixs-thanksgiving-day-riot-1942|title=Phoenix's Thanksgiving Day Riot, 1942|date=22 January 2007|publisher=BlackPast.org|access-date=June 29, 2015}}
Japanese-Americans from Phoenix are relocated to internment camps at Sacaton and Poston.
Alzona Park is built by the Federal Government as worker housing.
1943
Camp Papago Park (POW camp) opens in June.{{cite web | url=http://worldandmilitarynotes.com/pow/papago-park-arizona-usa-pow-camp/ | publisher=World and Military Notes.com | title=Papago Park (Arizona) USA POW Camp | access-date=June 29, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629162920/http://worldandmilitarynotes.com/pow/papago-park-arizona-usa-pow-camp/ | archive-date=June 29, 2015}}
Litchfield Naval Air Facility opens.
The new airport at Douglas is designated the first international airport in the United States.
1944
December 23: Great Papago Escape of German prisoners, the largest single escape by POW's in any camp in the United States.{{cite web|url=http://www.historynet.com/the-not-so-great-escape-german-pows-in-the-us-during-wwii.htm | title=The Not-So-Great Escape: German POWs in the U.S. during WWII | date=5 November 2007 |publisher=HistoryNet |access-date=June 29, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150321083657/http://www.historynet.com/the-not-so-great-escape-german-pows-in-the-us-during-wwii.htm | archive-date=March 21, 2015}}
St. Monica's Hospital, the first integrated hospital in Phoenix, opens (today known as Phoenix Memorial Hospital).
1945
Arizona State Teachers College becomes Arizona State College.
Mystery Castle is built.{{cite web | url=http://www.mymysterycastle.com/ | publisher=Mystery Castle | title=Imagination is more important than knowledge... | access-date=June 29, 2015}}
Several large factories which were created for war production, begin to close down operations.
1946
The Arizona State Constitution is amended; Arizona becomes a right-to-work state.{{sfn|Timeline: Postwar|2011}}
Ray Bussey elected mayor.{{sfn|Timeline: Postwar|2011}}
1947
October: A fire destroys all but four of Phoenix's electric streetcars. The city begins the process of transitioning to a public bus transit system.{{cite web | url=http://phoenixtrolley.com/history/history-of-transit/ | publisher=The Phoenix Trolley Museum | title=A Brief History Of Public Transportation in Metro Phoenix | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140829025756/http://phoenixtrolley.com/history/history-of-transit/ | archive-date=August 29, 2014}}
The Phoenix Charter Revision Committee is formed. The political group, headed by Barry Goldwater, would dominate city politics in the 1950s.Robert Alan Goldberg, Barry Goldwater (1995), 76–82
Phoenix Symphony Orchestra is founded.{{sfn|Timeline: Postwar|2011}}
The New York Giants start spring training in Phoenix.{{sfn|Timeline: Postwar|2011}}
1948
Motorola opens a research and development center for military electronics.{{cite web|url=http://thenaturalamerican.com/1900_to_today.htm | title=Growing into a Metropolis | publisher=The Natural American | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150201103558/http://thenaturalamerican.com/1900_to_today.htm | archive-date=February 1, 2015}}
Phoenix Jewish News begins publication.
City establishes its first sales tax.{{sfn|Timeline: Postwar|2011}}
KPHO-TV becomes the city's first television station.{{sfn|Timeline: Postwar|2011}}
Barry Goldwater elected to the city council.{{sfn|Timeline: Postwar|2011}}

=1950s=

1950 – Population reaches 106,818, now 99th most populous city in the United States, and the largest in the Southwest.{{sfn|Timeline: Postwar|2011}}
1950s – Widespread use of air conditioning leads to a construction and population boom.
1952
Wright House (residence) built.
Republican Barry Goldwater elected United States Senator, defeating the Senate Majority Leader Ernest McFarland; Republican John Howard Pyle elected governor
Arizona Public Service formed by the merger of Central Arizona Light and Power and Northern Arizona Light and Power{{sfn|Timeline: Postwar|2011}}
Racial segregation is banned at Sky Harbor Airport.{{sfn|Timeline: Postwar|2011}}
Adam Diaz becomes the first Hispanic on the city council.{{sfn|Timeline: Postwar|2011}}
1953
State courts declare school segregation illegal. Phoenix begins school desegregation.{{sfn|Timeline: Postwar|2011}}
KYTL-TV begins operations as an NBC affiliate. Currently KPNX-TV.{{sfn|Timeline: Postwar|2011}}
Channel 10 begins broadcasting, currently KSAZ-TV, the Fox affiliate.{{sfn|Timeline: Postwar|2011}}
1954 – City finishes the desegregation of Public schools.{{sfn|Timeline: Postwar|2011}}
1955
Terminal 1 opens at Sky Harbor Airport, built at a cost of $835,000, it represented the most modern and efficient passenger terminals of its time. It was demolished in 1991.
Metropolitan Bus Lines is purchased by L.A. Tanner and renamed Valley Transit Line. Tanner was unsuccessful in his attempts to also purchase the city-run municipal bus system.
Phoenix battles Scottsdale over annexation of unincorporated areas. This battle would last until an agreement was reached regarding "spheres of annexation influence" in 1964.{{cite book | title=Border Wars: Tax Revenues, Annexation, and Urban Growth in Phoenix | last=Heim | first=Carl E. | publisher=University of Massachusetts | page=17 | url=http://scholarworks.umass.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1049&context=econ_workingpaper&sei-redir=1&referer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bing.com%2Fsearch%3Fq%3DHistory%2Bof%2Bannexations%2Bin%2BPhoenix%26qs%3Dn%26form%3DQBLH%26pq%3Dhistory%2Bof%2Bannexations%2Bin%2Bphoenix%26sc%3D0-26%26sp%3D-1%26sk%3D%26cvid%3D143a2cd0445d4999bd5c2a5550b41c1b#search=%22History%20annexations%20Phoenix%22 | access-date=June 30, 2015}}
KTVK-TV opens operations as an ABC affiliate.{{sfn|Timeline: Postwar|2011}}
Agriculture falls to second behind manufacturing in the city's economy.{{sfn|Timeline: Postwar|2011}}
The city bans segregation in public housing.{{sfn|Timeline: Postwar|2011}}
1957—More annexations
Park Central Shopping City in business.
Phoenix Towers built.
1958
Phoenix doubles in size through annexation
Numerous shopping centers opened
Smog becomes more troublesome
Arizona State College becomes Arizona State University.
1959
Phoenix Art Museum opens.
L.A. Tanner is successful in purchasing the city-owned municipal bus system, merging it into his Valley Transit Line. All bus service in the valley is now unified.
Sunnyslope annexed by Phoenix.{{sfn|Timeline: Postwar|2011}}
Deer Valley airport opens.

=1960s=

1960
Phoenix Corporate Center built.
Ben Avery Shooting Facility, begun in 1957 and one of the largest publicly operated shooting ranges, opens.{{cite web | url=https://www.azgfd.com/shooting-sports/ben-avery-shooting-facility/basf-amenities/ | publisher=Arizona Game and Fish Department | title=Ben Avery Shooting Facility | access-date=June 29, 2015}}
During the 1950s, Phoenix annexed 94.86 square miles of land.{{cite book | title=Border Wars: Tax Revenues, Annexation, and Urban Growth in Phoenix | last=Heim | first=Carl E. | publisher=University of Massachusetts | page=56 | url=http://scholarworks.umass.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1049&context=econ_workingpaper&sei-redir=1&referer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bing.com%2Fsearch%3Fq%3DHistory%2Bof%2Bannexations%2Bin%2BPhoenix%26qs%3Dn%26form%3DQBLH%26pq%3Dhistory%2Bof%2Bannexations%2Bin%2Bphoenix%26sc%3D0-26%26sp%3D-1%26sk%3D%26cvid%3D143a2cd0445d4999bd5c2a5550b41c1b#search=%22History%20annexations%20Phoenix%22 | access-date=June 30, 2015}}
Phoenix annexes Maryvale and South Phoenix.{{sfn|Timeline: Postwar|2011}}
Population reaches 439,170.
Del Webb's Sun City opens.{{sfn|Timeline: Postwar|2011}}
1961
Deer Valley is annexed.{{sfn|Timeline: Postwar|2011}}
Chris-Town Mall, the first air-conditioned indoor mall in Phoenix, opens.{{sfn|Timeline: Postwar|2011}}
KAET-TV begins operations as a NET affiliate.{{sfn|Timeline: Postwar|2011}}
1962
Phoenix Zoo opens.
Phoenix City Square built.
City bus drivers participate in an unsuccessful 62-day strike, which precipitates the decline of public transit in Phoenix.
Terminal 2 opens at Sky Harbor Airport; passengers served passes the 1 million mark.{{cite web | url=https://skyharbor.com/about/terminal2.html | publisher=Sky Harbor | title=Terminal 2 | access-date=June 29, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202021451/http://skyharbor.com/about/terminal2.html | archive-date=February 2, 2014}}
[http://aztownhall.org/ Arizona Town Hall] was established to facilitate semi-annual discussions about topics of major concern to Arizona's future.http://ecorp.azcc.gov/Details/corp?corpid=%2000594437; http://aztownhall.org/page-1646000
1963
March 13: Phoenix Police arrest Ernesto Miranda without informing him of his rights. This leads to the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona.{{sfn|Timeline: Postwar|2011}}
Municipal golf course built in Papago Park.
Legend City amusement park in business.
US Supreme Court upholds Arizona rights to Colorado River water.{{sfn|Timeline: Postwar|2011}}
1964
Phoenix Municipal Stadium opens.
Barry Goldwater loses the election for President of the United States.
1965
Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum opens.
East wing of the Phoenix Art Museum opens, resulting in almost tripling the museum's space.
Morrison Warren becomes first black on city council.{{sfn|Timeline: Postwar|2011}}
1966
August 9: City council unanimously approves the "Plan for the Phoenix Mountains", thereby creating the Phoenix Mountain Preserve.{{cite news | url=http://repository.asu.edu/attachments/111508/content/1965_1969.pdf | newspaper=The Phoenix Gazette | title=Recreation Gets Priority in North Phoenix Plan | last=Gilbert | first=Dorothy V. | date=September 19, 1966 | page=26 | access-date=June 29, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629190809/http://repository.asu.edu/attachments/111508/content/1965_1969.pdf | archive-date=June 29, 2015}}
Valley Transit Line is sold to American Transit Corporation (headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri), and the transit system is renamed Phoenix Transit System.{{Cite news| pages = F1| last = Gullette| first = A. V.| title = Bus Line Owner Big Outfit| work = The Arizona Republic| location = Phoenix| access-date = 2017-01-15| url = https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/arizona/phoenix/arizona-republic/1967/07-16/page-105?tag=american%20transit%20corp&rtserp=tags/?pep=american-transit-corp|url-access=subscription}}
1967 – Regional Maricopa Association of Governments and St. Mary's Food Bank{{cite web |title=St. Mary's Food Bank |url=http://www.firstfoodbank.org/learn-more/our-history |access-date=October 30, 2014 |archive-date=October 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022091359/http://www.firstfoodbank.org/learn-more/our-history |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://feedingamerica.org/foodbank-results.aspx?state=AZ |work=Food Bank Locator |title= Arizona Food Banks |publisher=Feeding America |location=Chicago |access-date=October 30, 2014 }} established.
1968
Phoenix Suns basketball team formed.
Phoenix Financial Center is completed.{{cite web | url=http://www.recentpast.net/midcenturybanks/architecture/featured-buildings/item/4-phoenix-financial-center-19681976 | publisher=Defining Downtown | title=Phoenix Financial Center | access-date=June 29, 2015}}
President Lyndon B. Johnson signs a bill approving the Central Arizona Project, to bring water from the Colorado River to central Arizona.
Phoenix purchases Goodyear Airport as a general aviation supplement to Sky Harbor.
1969
Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix established.
Santa Fe Railway ceases passenger trains to Phoenix in April.
City taxes cigarettes and liquor to cover budget shortfall.{{sfn|Timeline: Postwar|2011}}

=1970s=

1970
Phoenix New Times newspaper begins publication.
Phoenix Mountains Preservation Council founded in August, to purchase all of the 7000 acres in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, and a total of 9700 acres.{{cite web | url=http://www.phoenixmountains.org/AboutUs.htm | publisher=Phoenix Mountains Preservation Council | title=About Us | access-date=June 29, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629184844/http://www.phoenixmountains.org/AboutUs.htm | archive-date=June 29, 2015}}
Remnants of Tropical Storm Norma slam into city, causing flooding and resulting in 23 deaths.{{sfn|Timeline: Postwar|2011}}
During the 1960s, Phoenix annexed 134.55 square miles of land, now totaling 245.5 square miles.
Population reaches 581,562, city becomes the nation's 20th most populous.{{sfn|Timeline: Postwar|2011}}
1971
May 1: Amtrak takes over intercity rail routes.
First National Bank Plaza, currently known as the Wells Fargo Plaza, is built.
The third building, 3838 N. Central Avenue, is built, completing Phoenix City Square.{{cite web | url=http://www.emporis.com/complex/102396/phoenix-city-square-phoenix-az-usa | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924145830/http://www.emporis.com/complex/102396/phoenix-city-square-phoenix-az-usa | url-status=usurped | archive-date=September 24, 2015 | publisher=Emporis | title=Phoenix City Square | access-date=June 29, 2015}}
The city purchases the Phoenix Transit System from American Transit, who agrees to continue to manage the operation.
The city adopts the Central Phoenix Plan in an attempt to develop the Central Avenue corridor.{{cite book | publisher=John Carl Warnecke and Associates | title=Central Phoenix plan, first stage : work program for a planning and economic study of downtown-midtown Phoenix | author=John Carl Warnecke and Associates | date=1967 |oclc = 19485397}}
The first Fiesta Bowl is played.{{sfn|Timeline: Postwar|2011}}
1972
Phoenix Symphony Hall opens.
Chase Tower built.
Salt River floods several times, killing 8.{{sfn|Timeline: Postwar|2011}}
1973 – Voters approve a $23.5 million bond issue, to fund the Phoenix Mountain Preserve.{{sfn|Timeline: Postwar|2011}}
1975
Phoenix elects its first female mayor: Margaret Hance.{{sfn|Timeline: Postwar|2011}}
Papago Freeway is passed by the voters.{{sfn|Timeline: Postwar|2011}}
1976
Margaret Hance becomes mayor.
U.S. Bank Center and Hyatt Regency built.
Construction begins on Terminal 3 at Sky Harbor Airport.{{cite web | url=https://skyharbor.com/about/terminal3.html | publisher=Sky Harbor Airport | title=Terminal 3 | access-date=June 29, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130730045026/http://skyharbor.com/about/terminal3.html | archive-date=July 30, 2013}}
Tourism moves ahead of agriculture into the number two largest economic sector.{{sfn|Timeline: Postwar|2011}}
1978
March 9: Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza established.{{cite web | url=http://www.azleg.state.az.us/legtext/46leg/1r/summary/h.hb2104_02-12-03_approp.doc.htm | publisher=Arizona House of Representatives | title=HB 2104 | access-date=June 29, 2015}}
Phoenix Transit begins to offer "Dial-a-Ride" services in low-population density areas.
Arizona Street Railway Museum opens.{{cite web | url=http://phoenixtrolley.com/ | publisher=Phoenix Trolley Museum | title=About the Museum | access-date=June 29, 2015}}
1979
Terminal 3 at Sky Harbor Airport opens.
City adopts the Phoenix Concept 2000 plan, which split the city into urban villages.{{cite web | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wwA9AAAAMAAJ | publisher=Phoenix Planning Department | date=1979 | title=Phoenix Concept Plan 2000: A Program for Planning | access-date=June 29, 2015}}

=1980s=

1980
February: Salt River floods, washing away most of the bridges spanning it.
3300 Tower built.

File:3300_N_Central_Ave.jpg

During the 1970s, Phoenix annexed 75.53 square miles of land, now totaling 321.03 square miles.
Population reaches 789,704
1981 – President Ronald Reagan appoints Sandra Day O'Connor to the U.S. Supreme Court.
1982 – Voters expand the city council from 6 citywide members to 8 members, each representing a distinct area.{{cite web | url=http://archive.azcentral.com/centennial/ent/articles/2011/10/08/20111008arizona-architecture-postmodern-now-timeline.html | publisher=AZCentral.com | title=Timeline: 1980–2010 | access-date=June 29, 2015}}
1983
America West Airlines is formed by valley investors.
Terry Goddard elected mayor.
1984
Arizona State University West campus established by the legislature.
Arizona Science Center opens.
Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve opens.{{cite web | url=http://phoenix.about.com/cs/doandsee/a/deervalrock01.htm | publisher=About Travel | title=Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve | last=Hedding | first=Judy | access-date=June 29, 2015 | archive-date=December 13, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213010641/http://phoenix.about.com/cs/doandsee/a/deervalrock01.htm | url-status=dead }}
The Public Transportation Administration becomes an official department of Phoenix.
1985
Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority formed, after passage of Proposition 300, tasked to create a regional transit plan and system.
Great American Tower built.
First water from the Central Arizona Project reaches Maricopa County.
1986
City urban village divisions created: Ahwatukee Foothills, Alhambra, Camelback East, Central City, Deer Valley, Desert View, Encanto, Estrella, Laveen, Maryvale, North Gateway, North Mountain, Paradise Valley, Rio Vista, and South Mountain.
Renaissance Square Tower 1 built.
Ballet Arizona headquartered in Phoenix.
Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station opens, with two of three units on-line. It is the largest nuclear power plant (by net generation) in the United States.{{cite web | url=http://www.nucleartourist.com/us/pvngs.htm | publisher=Nuclear Tourist | title=Palo Verde – Arizona | access-date=June 29, 2015}}
1987 – The city receives visits from both Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa.{{cite web | url=https://www.azcentral.com/centennial/news/articles/2011/03/11/20110311arizona-centennial-1980s.html?page=7 | title=Arizona Centennial | publisher=The Arizona Republic/AZCentral.com | access-date=June 29, 2015}}
1988
Cardinals football team relocates to Phoenix.
Telephone Pioneers of America Park, the first barrier-free park in the United States, for disabled Americans, opens.{{cite web | url=http://archive.azcentral.com/thingstodo/venues/Telephone_Pioneers_of_America_Park_510683799265 | publisher=AZCentral.com | title=Telephone Pioneers of America Park | access-date=June 29, 2015}}

File:Telephone Pioneers of America Park.jpg

1989
Sunnyslope Historical Society founded.{{cite web |url=http://www.sunnyslopehistoricalsociety.org/aboutus.html |title=Sunnyslope Historical Society |location=Phoenix, Arizona |access-date=March 25, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207041304/http://sunnyslopehistoricalsociety.org/aboutus.html |archive-date=December 7, 2013 }}
Arizona Center built.
Herberger Theater Center (HTC) opens.{{cite web | url=http://www.discoverphoenixarizona.com/herberger-theater.html | publisher=DiscoverPhoenixArizona.com | title=Herberger Theater Center | access-date=June 29, 2015 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221220721/http://www.discoverphoenixarizona.com/herberger-theater.html | archive-date=February 21, 2014 }}
Voters turn down a $10 billion referendum for a valley-wide rapid transit system, due to the cost and dissatisfaction with the elevated portions of the proposed system.
Phoenix Grand Prix is run in Downtown Phoenix in June.

=1990s=

1990
The Barry Goldwater Terminal (terminal 4) opens at Sky harbor airport with 5 concourses and 44 gates.{{cite web | url=https://skyharbor.com/about/terminal4.html | publisher=Sky Harbor Airport | title=Terminal 4 | access-date=June 29, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140724035403/http://skyharbor.com/about/terminal4.html | archive-date=July 24, 2014}}
November 10: The Desert Sky Pavilion (currently named the Ak-Chin Pavilion) opens. Billy Joel is its first act.{{cite web | url=https://www.deseret.com/1990/11/11/18890429/joel-starts-the-fire-for-pavilion/ | publisher=Deseret News | title=Joel "Starts the Fire" for Pavilion | date=November 11, 1990 | access-date=June 29, 2015}}
The Stack (road interchange) and Papago Freeway Tunnel open, completing Interstate 10.
During the 1980s, Phoenix annexed 99.33 square miles of land, now totaling 420.36 square miles.
Population reaches 983,403.{{citation |title=Population of the 100 Largest Cities and Other Urban Places in the United States: 1790 to 1990 |year=1998 |url=https://www.census.gov/library/working-papers/1998/demo/POP-twps0027.html |publisher=US Census Bureau }}
1991
Viad Tower built.
Phoenix transit implements a Bus Card Plus Program, allowing participants reduced fares.
1992
America West Arena opens.
Bike racks become available on all almost all buses citywide.
Joe Arpaio elected Maricopa County Sheriff.
1993
September 30: Williams Air Force Base closes after 52 years of military service.
RPTA adopts the name, Valley Metro, for the regional transit system. Phoenix and Mesa become the first two systems in the valley to agree to the name.
City wins the Carl Bertelsmann Prize, for the best run city government in the world.
Arpaio creates Tent City, to help alleviate crowding.
Salt River floods and destroys the new Mill Avenue Bridge.
Steve Benson, a cartoonist for the Arizona Republic, wins the Pulitzer Prize.
1994
John B. Nelson becomes mayor, succeeded by Thelda Williams and Skip Rimsza.
The 20-story Phoenix City Hall opens.{{cite web | url=http://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?buildingID=4219 | title=Phoenix City Hall | publisher=SkyscraperPage.com | access-date=June 29, 2015}}
Williams Gateway Airport in operation.
Low-floor buses are added to the Valley Metro fleet.
1995
Burton Barr Central Library opens.
City website online.{{citation |url=http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/accessamerica/text/phoenix.html |work= Access America: e-Gov e-Zine |issn= 1531-4448 |title=Phoenix Strips Away the Boundaries |year=c. 1998 |via= University of North Texas Libraries, Cyber Cemetery }}{{cite web |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/19970723063123/http://www.ci.phoenix.az.us/ |url= http://www.ci.phoenix.az.us/ |archive-date= 1997-07-23 |title= Phoenix at Your Fingertips |via= Internet Archive, Wayback Machine }}
Valley Metro becomes the first municipal bus service in the country to accept credit cards.
1996
Amtrak discontinues service to Phoenix.
September 24: Construction begins on a new Central Station for Valley Metro, near Central and Van Buren Avenues.
The Phoenix Coyotes begin play in the Western Conference as a relocation franchise previously known as The Winnipeg Jets.
1997
Hayden Flour Mill, which in the late 1800s supplied most of the flour for the state of Arizona, closes after 123 years.
Phoenix Lights, alleged UFO sighting, seen over the city.
1998
Sixth concourse added to the Barry Goldwater Terminal at Sky Harbor airport.
Arizona Diamondbacks begin play in the National League as an expansion team.
Bank One Ballpark, currently called Chase Field, opens.
Anthem, Arizona, just north of the city, is begun.
1999 – Tempe Town Lake is completed.
2000
Bank of America Tower built.
Ro Ho En, the Japanese friendship garden between Phoenix and its sister-city, Himeji City, Japan, opens.{{cite web | url=http://www.japanesefriendshipgarden.org/#!about/c1wfv | publisher=Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix | title=About Us | access-date=June 29, 2015}}
Sandra Day O'Connor United States Courthouse opens.
During the 1990s, Phoenix annexed 54.79 square miles of land, now totaling 475.15 square miles.
Population: 1,321,045.{{citation |author=U.S. Census Bureau |work= Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2003 |title=Mini-Historical Statistics: Population of the Largest 75 Cities: 1900 to 2000 |url=https://www.census.gov/statab/hist/HS-07.pdf }}
"Transit 2000" proposition passes, approving construction of 24 miles of light rail with Phoenix city limits, named Valley Metro Rail.
Tempe city council passes motion approving an additional 5 miles of light rail to be constructed and linked to the Valley Metro Rail system.

21st century

=2000s=

2001
Glendale voters approve a sales tax increase to fund transportation improvements, including 5 miles of light rail to connect with the Metro Light Rail.
Arizona Diamondbacks defeat the New York Yankees in the World Series.
2002 – Comerica Theatre opens.
2003
Construction begins on Metro Light Rail.
Arizona Roller Derby headquartered in city.
Jobing.com Arena, currently known as the Gila River Arena, opens.
2004
Phil Gordon becomes mayor.{{cite web| url = http://phoenix.gov/MAYOR/bio.html| title = Office of the Mayor| publisher = City of Phoenix| access-date = April 2, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040606024702/http://phoenix.gov/MAYOR/bio.html | url-status = live | archive-date = June 6, 2004}}
Maricopa County voters approve a 20-year continuation of the 1985 sales tax to fund transportation needs. The plan includes almost $25 billion in funding for: freeways, bus transit expansion, light rail, city streets, and bike and pedestrian paths.
The Translational Genomics Research Institute opens in downtown Phoenix.
Mini Stack (road interchange) built.
2005
The seventh concourse is added to the Barry Goldwater Terminal at Sky Harbor airport, bringing the total number of gates in the terminal to 84.
America West and US Airlines merge, creating the nation's fifth-largest airline.
2006
Phoenix Metropolitan Opera founded.
Phoenix Art Museum expansion, which includes a wing for modern art and a sculpture garden, opens.
Cardinals Stadium, now State Farm Stadium opens.
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport begins operations on the site of the closed Williams AFB.
2007
July 27: News helicopter collision.
Phoenix Mercury win the WNBA championship.
2008
Valley Metro Rail begins operation.
44 Monroe built.
Super Bowl XLII played at University of Phoenix Stadium. The New York Giants defeat the New England Patriots.
Squaw Peak renamed Piestewa Peak, in honor of the first Native American woman killed in combat, Lori Piestewa.
2009
Phoenix Civic Space Park opens.
Sculpture Her Secret Is Patience installed.
Freeport-McMoRan Center built.
Arizona Cardinals lose to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLIII.

= 2010s =

2010
The Musical Instrument Museum, the largest museum of its type in the world, opens.{{cite web | url=http://archive.azcentral.com/thingstodo/music/articles/2010/04/18/20100418bob-ulrich-musical-instrument-museum.html#ixzz2FMXtrnLG | publisher=The Arizona Republic | title=Former Target CEO Bob Ulrich orchestrates creation of MIM | last=Nilsen | first=Richard | date=April 18, 2010| access-date=June 29, 2015}}
Tempe Town Lake dam bursts.
Population: 1,445,632; metro 4,192,887.{{cite web |url= https://www.census.gov/dataviz/visualizations/026/508.php |year=2012 |title= Largest Urbanized Areas With Selected Cities and Metro Areas (2010) |publisher=US Census Bureau }}
2011
July 5: Sandstorm.{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/07/us/07dust.html |title=Phoenix Dusts Off After Giant Sandstorm Whips Through |date=July 6, 2011 |work=New York Times |access-date=March 25, 2013}}
University of Arizona's Center for Social Cohesion active.{{citation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110802204420/http://cohesion.asu.edu/ |url-status=dead |title=Center for Social Cohesion |archive-date=August 2, 2011 |url=http://cohesion.asu.edu/ |location=Phoenix, Arizona }}
2012
Greg Stanton becomes mayor.{{cite web |title=Meet the Mayors |publisher=United States Conference of Mayors |location=Washington, D.C. |url=http://usmayors.org/meetmayors/mayorsatglance.asp |access-date=March 30, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080627104834/http://www.usmayors.org/meetmayors/mayorsatglance.asp |archive-date=June 27, 2008 }}
CityScape building constructed.
2013 – Population: 1,513,367.{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/pdf/cb14-89_pop_table3.pdf |year=2014 |title= The 15 Cities with the Largest Numeric Increase from July 1, 2012 to July 1, 2013 |publisher=US Census Bureau |quote= Vintage 2013 Population Estimates}}
2015
Renovations begin on Terminal 3 at Sky Harbor airport, part of a 3-phase redevelopment of the terminal expected to be completed in 2020.{{cite web | url=http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2015/04/07/terminal-3-renovations-start-at-sky-harbor.html | date=April 7, 2015 | title=Terminal 3 renovations start at Sky Harbor, airlines relocate | last=Brown | first=Brandon | publisher=Phoenix Business Journal | access-date=June 29, 2015}}
Super Bowl XLIX played at University of Phoenix Stadium. The New England Patriots defeat the Seattle Seahawks.
2017
In June 2017, a heat wave grounded more than 40 airline flights of small aircraft, with American Airlines reducing sales on certain flights to prevent the vehicles from being over the maximum weight permitted for safe takeoff.{{cite news|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/heat-wave-hits-southwest-on-1st-day-of-summer/ar-BBCX7Yb?li=BBnb7Kz|title=Heat wave hits Southwest on 1st day of summer|work=MSN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170624002955/http://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/heat-wave-hits-southwest-on-1st-day-of-summer/ar-BBCX7Yb?li=BBnb7Kz|archive-date=June 24, 2017}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/06/20/us/weather-west-heat-wave/|title = How hot is it in the West? Let us count the ways| website=CNN |date = 20 June 2017}}
2019
Kate Gallego becomes mayor.
2021
On November 9, 2021, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation announced that the airport would be the site for the West Coast Service Center Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility.https://www.flyingmag.com/gulfstream-van-nuys-service-center/ The new 225,000-square-foot facility, a more than $70 million investment.https://www.journal-aviation.com/en/news/46359-gulfstream-to-open-a-new-aircraft-service-center-at-phoenix-mesa-gateway-airport
2022
The new hangar is located at the SkyBridge development at the airport and augments hangar space Gulfstream established at the facility in March 2022.https://www.gulfstreamnews.com/en/news/?id=91bf4047-86de-4832-9ab3-5bb370d6eb89

References

Bibliography

;Published in 19th century

{{Citation

|publisher = W.C. Disturnell |location = San Francisco |title = Arizona Business Directory and Gazetteer

|date = 1881

|chapter=Phoenix P.O. |chapter-url=https://archive.org/stream/arizonabusinessd00districh#page/148/mode/2up

| ref = {{harvid|Disturnell|1881}}

}}

{{Citation |author = Patrick Hamilton |date = 1881 |location = Prescott, Ariz |title = Resources of Arizona |chapter= Chief Towns: Phoenix |chapter-url=https://archive.org/stream/resourcesofarizo01hami#page/24/mode/2up }}

;Published in 20th century

{{Citation

|publisher = Norman Pierce Co. |location = New York |title = Salt River Valley, Arizona, offers productive lands, a healthful climate and rare opportunities to the investor and homeseeker |author = Maricopa County (Ariz.). Board of Supervisors |date = 1908 |oclc = 16818598 |chapter=Phoenix |chapter-url= https://archive.org/stream/saltrivervalleya00maririch#page/n21/mode/2up

}}

{{Cite EB1911|wstitle= Phoenix (Arizona) |volume= 21 | page = 458 |date=1910 |ref= {{harvid|Britannica|1910}} |short= 1}}
{{Citation

}}

{{cite book |author=Federal Writers’ Project |ol= 5989725M |title=Arizona, the Grand Canyon State |series=American Guide Series |location=New York |publisher= Hastings House |year= 1966 |edition=4th |chapter=Phoenix |page=216+ |author-link=Federal Writers’ Project }}
{{Citation |publisher = Oceana Publications |isbn = 0379006170 |location = Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. |series = American Cities Chronology Series |editor = Howard B. Furer |title = Phoenix: a chronological & documentary history, 1865–1976 |author = James E. Buchanan |date = 1978 |url-access = registration |url = https://archive.org/details/phoenixchronolog0000unse }}
Lykes, Aimee de Potter. "A Hundred Beers of Phoenix History", in G. Wesley Johnson, Jr., ed. Phoenix in the Twentieth Century: Essays in Community History (1993) pp. 220–236, to 1981

;Published in 21st century

{{cite book | title=Metropolitan Phoenix | last=Gober | first=Patricia | publisher=University of Pennsylvania Press | year=2006 |isbn=978-0-8122-3899-0}}
{{cite book | title=Out Of The Ruins | last=Grady| first=Patrick | publisher=Arizona Pioneer Press | year=2012 |isbn=978-0-615-55511-9}}
{{cite web

| url= http://archive.azcentral.com/centennial/ent/articles/2011/06/24/20110624architecture-arizona-timeline-territorial-statehood.html

| publisher=The Arizona Republic | title=Arizona: Territorial, statehood timelines

| date=June 24, 2011

| ref = {{harvid|Territorial, statehood timelines|2011}}

}}

{{cite web

| url=http://archive.azcentral.com/centennial/ent/articles/2011/08/20/20110820arizona-architecture-postwar-timeline.html | publisher=AZCentral.com

| title=Timeline: Postwar, 1946–80

|date=August 2011

|author=Richard Nilsen

| ref = {{harvid|Timeline: Postwar|2011}}

}}

{{cite web

}}

{{cite book|editor =Mario Luis Small|title=Reconsidering the Urban Disadvantaged: The Role of Systems, Institutions, and Organizations |year= 2013|publisher=Sage |isbn=978-1-4833-0656-8 |chapter=Studying the role of nonprofits, government, and business in providing activities and services to youth in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area |author= Joseph Galaskiewicz|display-authors=etal|display-editors=etal|author-link=Joseph Galaskiewicz }}
{{cite book | title=Desert Visions and the Making of Phoenix | last=VanderMeer | first=Philip | publisher=University of New Mexico Press | year=2010 | isbn=978-0-8263-4891-3}}
{{cite book

|editor=Kenneth L. Kusmer and Joe W. Trotter|title=African American Urban History since World War II

|year=2009

|publisher=University of Chicago Press|isbn=978-0-226-46512-8 |series=Historical Studies of Urban America |chapter=Great expectations: African American and Latino relations in Phoenix since World War II |first= Matthew C. |last=Whitaker |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=S52REH6dw28C&pg=PA83

}}

External links

{{cite web |url=http://azmemory.azlibrary.gov/cdm/collectiondirectory |title=Collection Directory |publisher=Arizona Memory Project |access-date=March 25, 2013}}
Phoenix Public Library. [http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/Locations/BurtonBarr/Pages/Arizona-Room.aspx Arizona Room] (local history)
Arizona Archives Online. [http://www.azarchivesonline.org/xtf/search?keyword=phoenix Materials related to Phoenix], various dates
Library of Congress, Prints & Photos Division. [https://www.loc.gov/pictures/related/?fi=subject&q=United%20States--Arizona--Phoenix. Materials related to Phoenix], various dates
Digital Public Library of America. [http://dp.la/search?page_size=100&q=phoenix+arizona&utf8=✓ Items related to Phoenix, Arizona], various dates

Category:Years in Arizona

Phoenix

phoenix