Scottsdale, Arizona, is where people enjoy the western lifestyle. Winfield Scott founded the town in 1894 after he retired from service as an army chaplain, and it has been growing ever since! Scottsdale shares boundaries with many other municipalities, 50 kilometers long and 18 kilometers wide. On the west side of Scottsdale is Phoenix and on the north side is Tonto National Forest. To the south is Tempe and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community to the east.
History of Scottsdale, AZ
The Scottsdale area was home to the Hohokam people. They lived here from 300 BC to 1450 AD. The Hohokam people farmed and built canals for better irrigation than North America. Under still-mysterious conditions, the Hohokam disappeared around 1450 or 1500. They probably left because of a drought. Later, Akimel O’odham (Pima) and Tohono O’odham (Papago) lived there. These are thought to be descendants of the Hohokam, but it isn’t clear how they were related.
In 1894, the town was renamed Scottsdale. Between 1908 and 1933, more people moved to this town because of the construction of Granite Reef and Roosevelt Dams. Many more families in this area sold goods to those who lived on farms.
During the First World War, cotton was grown in Scottsdale and its environs. This was because of a new kind of cotton that the US Department of Agriculture created. Cotton is still produced in southern Arizona, but Scottsdale’s cotton boom ended with losing government contracts at the end of the war.
In 1950, Motorola came to Scottsdale. It built a plant and then another in 1956. With only 2,000 people living there, the city was incorporated on June 25th, 1951. The town’s population grew quickly after it was incorporated in 1951 and reached about 10,000 people. This growth led to the need for more buildings and living areas. The city expanded northward. Since 1951, Scottsdale has grown to 241,361 people as of 2020.
Places to Visit
Scottsdale, Arizona, has many places to visit, whether you are visiting or live here. The following is a list of places to check out if given a chance!
- Taliesin West
This site was once home to the well-known architect Frank Lloyd Wright. He started building his winter home in 1937 and lived there until he died in 1959. His commissioned apprentice, Taliesin, now owns the house and is available for tours. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and National Historic Landmark.
- Scottsdale Civic Center Mall
Kierland Commons, Scottsdale Quarter This public site is just south of Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home. In 1970, a library opened here and a theater and a museum dedicated to the works of Frank Lloyd Wright. The mall is a popular sport in the city and often has live performances and art exhibits.
- McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a unique park in Arizona. The 30-acre space, located at Scottsdale’s heart and home to many attractions like an antique carousel or playground for children who want some peacetime activity with their parents while they enjoy rides on steam engines that take them back into history – this place has it all!
- Scottsdale Golf
Scottsdale is one of America’s most luxurious golf destinations, with 330 days annually featuring high-quality amenities and world-class courses. Top it off by offering an exciting nightlife scene as well as all sorts of adventures waiting for you outdoors or inside your hotel room!
- Musical Instrument Museum
MIM is a museum with things from all around the world. There’s music that you can learn about. And some things show how they’re made, like headphones and other equipment. You can also play instruments in an experience room to see what it feels like.
- Old Town Scottsdale
Located in downtown Scottsdale, Old Town is a popular destination for tourists and locals. It’s packed with galleries that are sure to satisfy your art-appreciation side as well as restaurants perfect if you’re looking for some good food while exploring this historical city! With shops like those at The Shops Convertor Plaza (a marketplace), souvenir stores sell anything from regional Arizona apparel items such as saguaro cacti in prints.
Food & Beverage
Scottsdale, Arizona, has plenty of dining venues, from fine dining to casual. If you want to see a list of the top restaurants in Scottsdale, we have that for you! There are many restaurants and bars you can go to and enjoy your time.
- Postino
Postino is a Phoenix favorite, and for a good reason. The menu puts appetizers front and center (or as they call them “snacky things”), making it perfect to come in after work or on the weekends with friends for lunch! We love their bruschetta boards; you can choose four types of deliciousness from eleven options like brie apple & fig-, smoked salmon pesto–and pepper jam goat cheese.
- Twisted Grove
Twisted Grove is your destination for a casual dining experience. Start with the crispy brussels sprouts and bacon, followed by some mains like French Dip served alongside oh-so flavorful au jus to dip in as well! There are six different sides available–we can’t get enough of their parmesan garlic fries or caramelized cauliflower dish either? And don’t forget dessert: award-winning butterscotch pecan pie will make sure you leave satisfied.
- Alma
The best Mexican restaurants in Scottsdale are not flooding the city with their presence, but you can still get great food at Alma. The restaurant has an eclectic Southwest-American style that will make your taste buds happy and full of spice! Try one of their mouthwatering Birria tacos: crispy beef served alongside consommé sauce. For something more strictly traditional to serve up on those taco nights or when friends come over from surrounding areas for dinner. So, they’re always ready to be accessorized right away while enjoying delicious flavors together asap.
- Chula Seafood
Chula’s is the place to get your fresh seafood in Scottsdale. The founder of this restaurant has been working as a fisherman for years, and now he wants everyone else who loves excellent fish food too! There are more options than just eating at Chulas itself, like poke bowls with various types of sauces, including mayo-based ones, which make them even better tasting when paired up nicely against some sushi rice balls made especially by you! You can buy whole pounds or order from their menu.
- FNB
What’s more Scottsdale than a delectable dish from the ‘vegetable whisperer’? Chef Charlene has been known to use unique ingredients and locally sourced produce in her flavorful recipes. If you’re looking for an unforgettable meal, head on over to FnB, where they’ll help guide your way through their menu with innovative dishes like avocado shrimp Aguachile!
Scottsdale, Arizona, is a destination for those looking to enjoy the sun and sand on one of many courses. The city offers many things to do all year long with plenty of accommodations to suit every budget. Why not plan a trip with some friends to Scottsdale?
