A Brief History of Tempe, Arizona

The Hohokam initially lived in this area and in order to support their agriculture, they built canals.

In 1865, Fort McDowell was established on the upper Salt River allowing the safe establishment of communities further down the Salt River. Tempe was an amalgamation of two settlements 'Hayden's Ferry' and 'San Pablo' located west and east of Hayden Butte, respectively. The two settlements benefited from the Tempe Irrigating Canal Company which provided the water for alfalfa, wheat, barley, oats and cotton. Arizona Territorial Legislature chose Tempe for the site of the Territorial Normal School in 1885, which became Arizona Normal School, Arizona State Teachers College, Arizona State College and finally Arizona State University.

The Maricopa and Phoenix Railroad, built in 1887, crossed the Salt River at Tempe, linking the town to the nation's growing transportation system. The Tempe Land and Improvement Company was formed to sell lots in the booming town. Tempe became one of the most important business and shipping centers for the surrounding agricultural area.