Scottsdale, Arizona, United States, is found in the eastern part of Maricopa County. It is also part of the Greater Phoenix Area. Scottsdale was named for Winfield Scott, a former U.S. Army Chaplain. It was founded in 1951 with a population of only 2,000. It had a population of 258,069. Its motto is “The West’s Most Western Town.” It has been one of America’s fastest-growing cities in the last decade.
Scottsdale measures 31 miles (50km) and is 11.4 miles (18.3km) at its highest point. It borders many municipalities and entities. Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and unincorporated Maricopa County lie to the west. Scottsdale’s western border includes Carefree. It shares Scottsdale’s northern boundary with the Tonto Forrest. Tempe is located to the south. Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian community borders Tempe to the south. It extends to Fountain Hills Regional Park and McDowell Mountain National Park.
History
Scottsdale, Arizona City, Maricopa County, is a suburb of Phoenix, Arizona, south-central Arizona.
The city is home to Taliesin West (Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural school) and the Cosanti Foundation (an architectural and crafts complex designed by Paolo Soleri). Many canals from the Salt River Project run through the city. There are also many areas where you can grow lettuce, grain, or cotton. This community was initially established as a stop for stagecoaches between Camp McDowell, Phoenix. It was named after Winfield Scott, who settled the area with his brother George in the late 1880s.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
McCormick–Stillman Railroad Park, located in Scottsdale, Arizona, covers 30 acres (12 ha). It includes a 15-inch (381 mm) gauge railroad, a Magma Arizona Railroad locomotive, and three model railroad clubs.
Fowler McCormicks gave 100 acres (40 ha) of McCormick Ranch in 1967 to the City of Scottsdale. They stipulated that the park be open to all. Guy Stillman (son of Anne and James Stillman) built his narrow gauge railway replica 15 in (381mm) on the property. He called the “Paradise & Pacific Railroad” and was given to the city in 1971. With Senator Barry Goldwater’s support, the U.S. Marines helped expand the railroad by providing labor for laying the tracks. It officially opened on October 4, 1975. It was initially called McCormick Railroad Park, and it was renamed McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park to honor Guy Stillman, its founder.
Attractions
Paradise & Pacific Railroad – Founded by Stillman, Paradise & Pacific Railroad was the first attraction in the park. The miniature railway is 15 inches (381mm) in gauge and has a track length of 3,800 feet (1.158m). It also features 1,400 feet (427m) of a sidetrack. This route includes two trestles, 2 water tanks, and a loading platform. There are also two crossing signals and a train shed. Three steam locomotives (two operating), three diesel locomotives, and two cabooses are part of the railroad. There are three stock cars and a lot of gondolas. There is also a coach car and a trolley car in the model R.R. building.
Charro Carousel: This merry-go-round was constructed in 1950 by The Allan Herschell Company. It was then purchased by The Scottsdale Railroad & Mechanical Society and restored.
Playgrounds: There are two playgrounds in the park, one with a Southwestern theme and the other with adobe construction.
Statue Of Bil Keane: Bil Keane is the creator of The Family Circus, a newspaper comic.
Magma Arizona Railroad Engine No 6: This locomotive was constructed in 1907 by Baldwin Locomotive Works. It served the Magma Arizona Railroad for 54 years. The Scottsdale Railroad & Mechanical Society purchased it in 1977. It is the last Arizona & New Mexico engine that remains in Arizona.
Roald Amundsen Pullman Car: This car was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Franz Talley to the Scottsdale Railroad and Mechanical Society. It is one of six Pullman Company cars that were built in 1928. It cost $205,000 to build and was used by Presidents Herbert Hoover and Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower. President Eisenhower used the car only during the 1952 whistle-stop campaign. W.L. Roosevelt, the Canadian Prime Minister, met on this vehicle on August 18, 1940. McKenzie King and President Roosevelt met on August 18, 1940. This was the day that W.L. This was the North American Air Defense (also known as N.O.R.A.D.). It was donated to the park by its original owner in 1971.
Swiss Railway Clock: This clock was donated by the City in Interlaken, Switzerland, to McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. This was done to commemorate the sister cities partnership between the cities of Interlaken Scottsdale. Hans Hilfiker designed the Swiss Railway Clock in 1944. It was used as a station clock by Swiss Federal Railways.
Gabe Brooks Machine Shop was built in 1930 by Gabe Brooks, regarded as the best machinist in America during World War II. It still has original machining equipment.
Navajo Hogans: These two hogans are the only ones that remain of the Northern Arizona Navajo Indian Reservation. The Heard Museum in Phoenix is home to the other hogan.
Xeriscape Arboretum: This desert arboretum was established in 1980 and featured a variety of plants from different parts of the world.
The Antique Railroad Bell: The Bell Company presented this bell to Henry S. Sturgis in 1958. He was vice president of First National Bank and played an active role in railroad finances. He was the chairman of the Erie Railroad’s executive committee.
The Rail Road Club
Scottsdale Live Steamers: Scottsdale Live Steamers, a miniature railroad measuring 7+1/2 inches (190.5 mm), surrounds the Xeriscape Arboretum. It was once home to the Maricopa Live Steamers. The track measures 3,000 feet (914m) in length and includes a loading platform and a train shed. It also has a tunnel and a transfer table. The layout includes two main loops: the outer loop runs over the tunnel, and the inner loop goes through it.
These three railroad clubs are located in the McCormick Ranch Bunkhouse
Scottsdale Model Railroad Historical Society: This group features a scale model train layout.
Paradise & Pacific Tinplate Club: This club has an O-scale model train layout.
Sun-N Sand Club: This club has an N-scale model train layout.
The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a family-oriented theme park that has lots to offer. You can enjoy the train ride, play mini-golf, or have your kids run around on the playground equipment. If you’re looking for something fun and exciting to do with your children this week, consider visiting McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale.
