Safford Arizona
Safford is in Graham County, Arizona located in the southeastern portion of the state on the south bank of the Gila River. About five miles southeast of the city begins the foothills of the Pinaleno Mountains. The highest peak in the mountain range, Mt. Graham, and its companion peaks have a marked effect on the local climate by reducing winter precipitation. The community name was derived from an Indian term which means “small grass.” It is the county seat of Graham County which was founded in 1874. It immediately became an agricultural after its establishment. 40,000 acres of irrigated agriculture was created from the waters drawn from the Gila River.
The town of Safford was incorporated in 1901. It has a total population of 9,440 as of 2004 U.S. Census. With cotton as the principal commodity, agriculture has been the mainstay of the Safford & Graham County economy with retail trade and services playing a significant role as well. Many scenic drives in Safford provides a route to the summit of Mt. Graham and Pinaleno Mountains Swift Trail & features many picnicking and camping sites.
