Peoria, Arizona, isn’t just another Phoenix suburb – it’s a place with a story as rich as the desert soil it sits on. Did you know the name “Peoria” actually comes from a Miami-Illinois word meaning “prairie fire”? That’s just the beginning of the interesting tale behind this growing Arizona city. Let’s take a walk through time and discover how Peoria went from ancient tribal lands to one of Arizona’s most loved communities.
Ancient Beginnings: The Hohokam Era
Long before modern residents enjoyed Peoria’s sunny skies, the Hohokam people called this land home. Dating back to around 200 A.D., these early residents were masters of desert living. They created impressive irrigation systems using only stone tools and organized labor, turning the harsh desert into farmland.
The word “Hohokam” comes from the Piman language, meaning “exhausted” or “all used up” – perhaps referring to how they maximized every drop of water in this dry landscape. These resourceful people built the foundation for what would later become a thriving modern city.
From Illinois to Arizona: How Peoria Got Its Start
Fast forward to 1886, when Peoria’s modern history began. William John Murphy, who had worked on the Arizona Canal, saw great potential in the area. After completing the canal in 1885, Murphy headed back to Peoria, Illinois, where he convinced four families to pack up and move west.
In November 1886, Albert and Elizabeth Straw became the first to establish residency, soon followed by the Hanna, Copes, and McMillan families – all from Peoria, Illinois. These pioneers decided to name their new desert home after their hometown, and the rest is history. By 1888, Peoria had its first U.S. Post Office serving a tiny population of just 27 people. Talk about a small town!
Growing Roots in the Desert
Life wasn’t easy for these early settlers. They worked hard to build canals and irrigation systems, turning the dry desert into productive farmland. Grand Avenue, which is still a major road today, became an important route connecting Phoenix to the Vulture Mine, where gold and silver production helped the local economy grow.
On May 24, 1897, the settlers filed Peoria’s official plot map with the Maricopa County recorder, making the town official. The original street names included Monroe, Madison, Jefferson, Washington, and Lincoln, showing the founders’ patriotic spirit. A well was dug, and soon a spur line of the Santa, Prescott, and Phoenix Railroad came to town, helping the community expand even more.
From Small Town to Thriving City
Peoria remained a small agricultural community for decades before officially incorporating as a city on June 7, 1954. Since then, it has grown at an amazing pace. According to the 2020 census, Peoria now has nearly 191,000 residents – quite a jump from those original 27 people!
Today, Peoria spans approximately 179 square miles across two counties (Maricopa and Yavapai). It’s the sixth-largest city in Arizona by land area and the ninth-largest by population. The city has become famous as the spring training home of the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners, who share the Peoria Sports Complex.
Why Peoria’s Story Makes It Worth Calling Home
Peoria’s journey from ancient Hohokam land to modern desert city shows its ability to adapt and thrive through centuries of change. The city offers residents much more than just sunny weather – it provides a connection to a rich historical tapestry.
When you live in Peoria, you’re part of a continuing story that spans from ancient Native American cultures to pioneer settlers to today’s modern community. With attractions like Lake Pleasant Regional Park (a true desert oasis spanning 23,000 acres), 570 acres of parks, 60+ miles of trails, and the entertaining P83 District, Peoria combines its fascinating past with an exciting present.
The spirit of those original settlers who saw potential in the desert lives on in today’s community. So if you’re looking for a place with character, history, and a bright future, Peoria might just be the perfect place to write your own chapter in its ongoing story.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
Header Image Source: azcentral.com
