Tempe, Maricopa County, Arizona
Named after the Tempe Vale in Greece, Tempe, Arizona is every bit as majestic, if not as mythical as the famed island. A locale in the county of Maricopa, Tempe was named by Darrel Duppa in 1879. Duppa was the same person who named Phoenix in 1868. A major suburban area of Phoenix, Tempe is found at the southeast region of the Arizona capital. Meanwhile, the high-end Scottsdale suburb stands as Tempe's northern border. Guadalupe and Phoenix lie at Tempe's west while Chandler borders the south.
The city is enclosed by land masses with an inland water source except for the west-bound Salt River, which traverses the town in the north region. With a part or section bordered off, the river forms a kind of lake named the Tempe Town Lake. The city's inland water sources are a mere 0.32% of its total area. Tempe's total land area is measured as 104.1 square kilometers, the bulk of it manifested in vast fields and intimidating mesas. Probably a mesa before, Tempe is mostly flatland with a few exceptions in the form of buttes. The Bell and Twin Buttes are found in west Tempe along with Hayden Butte. These buttes pose an elevation of 1140-1495 feet on Hayden Butte.
Tempe is among Arizona's most populated cities with a census estimation of 160,676 residents. Tempe's population density is rather high with 646.4 individuals per square kilometers. The city's residents are comprised of multi-racial individuals and families thriving on peace and mutual respect. Blacks, white, Asian, Native Americans, and Hispanic races form the bulk of Tempe's population. Complementary to its city status, Tempe's population is a varied mix of cultures in the American West.
Tempe History
Tempe started out as a motley collection of settlements and different communities. The construction of the military outpost, Fort McDowell, started a chain reaction of settlement building. Farmers and homestead owners of Hispanic descent moved in the yet-unknown Tempe area. They designed and reconstructed irrigation canals built by the native American Hohokam tribe to supply water in their fields. These canals are the popular Kirkland-McKinney Ditch and San Francisco Canal. The new farms supplied food and other products to the military outposts and the mining towns.
Another settlement was sprung through the efforts of shipping magnate Charles Hayden. He turned the quiet settlement into a bustling trade center with his different shops. Hayden built a number of flour mills, warehouses, blacksmith shops, stores, and a trade ferry. This event in Tempe history is often regarded as the start of active trade in Tempe. Not to be outdone, the Hispanic settlers expanded their community to absorb the San Pablo, a town on Tempe Butte's east before 1873.
The two settlements developed quickly and became integrated in one community. More farmers were enticed to engaged in business and settle in Tempe. Soon, Tempe became a thriving ground for grains and alfalfa, and various food crops. The canal network expanded and soon became an irrigation system managed by the local Tempe Irrigating Canal Company. By the late 19th century, farmers were adding cash crops like citrus and dates to their staple barley, oats, and wheat.
To supplement its growing community, trains, railroads, and schools were built to provide facility in transportation and communication. Tempe has not stopped improving itself ever since, thus making itself among the most dynamic places in Arizona.
Tempe Attractions
As the seventh biggest Arizona city, Tempe is considered as part of Phoenix's metropolis. Tempe offers an excellent mix of recreational sites and historical landmarks, which make it distinct from other Western cities. There are lots of activities to do and places to visit in Tempe. Even locals do not get tired of these places and continue to patronize these attractions.
Arizona State University is a perfect place for strolling and relaxing. The relaxed university campus has large parks and playing fields open for the public. The university is also a great place to take a dose of cultural diversity with its almost 50,000 students from around the nation. The Art Museum and Tempe Historical Museum showcase the city's progress through historical artifacts, arts, and exhibits. Featured exhibits change regularly so nothing really gets old. Tempe sports a commercial district with several shops including the Arizona Mall. With its more than 100 stores, 24 luxury cinemas, restaurants, arcades, and IMAX theater, the mall truly has something for everybody.
The locals know not to waste Arizona weather and Tempe residents oblige. The Diablo Stadium is always full during baseball games. Other than the Diablo Stadium, the Kiwanis Park is also a good place for games like racquetball and softball. The park also features a large indoor pool complete with water slides. The beauty of Tempe owes much to the majesty of its landscape and a tour of the buttes is always an excellent idea. The jagged terrain looks beautiful and intimidating at the same time.
Tempe Economy
Although considered as a metropolis, Tempe's economy still recognizes the importance of its agriculture. The city never lets go of its agricultural roots and had been an agriculture-based community throughout its history. There is still a number of small farms in the area that continues to produce food and other cash crops for the local community.
Tempe has a very active commercial trade environment. In the past years, the city has served as base of operations for several high-end and technology-related corporations. Major businesses and employers in the area include Chase Bank Card Services and Motorola. The more recent Salt River Project is also making its mark in the commercial and business circuit.
The bulk of Tempe's trade is concentrated along the stretch of Mill Avenue. Although the manufacturing industry and general commerce suffered a decline in 1971, the dynamism was not lost. In fact, the avenue was transformed into a shopping and entertainment district, which counts as its clients Tempe locals and others from around Arizona.
Tempe's tourism industry is also kicked into a high gear with the coming of new businesses and tourist attractions. The improvement in its facilities and attractions supported by the local government and Chamber of Commerce helped stabilized Tempe's tourism. Tempe also preserved remnants of its past which contribute significantly to the increase of its tourism profits. Because its agriculture industry declined in the recent years, Tempe reinvented itself. Now, Tempe possess the distinction of being a top-caliber commercial hub with a solid economy supported by different fields: electronics, manufacturing, commerce, and tourism.
