The
City of Peoria was established in the 1880’s when William
J. Murphy’s vision of fertile farmlands fed by water
from the Salt River became a reality with
the completion of the Arizona Canal in 1885.
Once the canal was completed, Murphy went East to interest people in
settling in the new community. Mr. Murphy was successful in catching
people’s attention. Over 5,000 acres of land in the new district
were purchased by citizens from Peoria, Illinois. Four families from
Peoria, Illinois were among the first to move to Arizona to occupy and
work their land.
Residences
in the new community sprang up, and a school and post office were
established by 1889. More people followed the original families and
Peoria continued to grow as a farming community. Arizona
farmlands were fertile and the people made a good living,
despite having to battle swarms of red ants and the occasional rattlesnake
in the kitchen.
Peoria
was incorporated in 1954, with boundaries covering one square mile
of land. The warm climate and small town atmosphere of Peoria continued
to attract people and still do today. Currently, Peoria covers 140
square miles, and is home to over 100,000 residents. The eighth fastest
growing city in the nation, Peoria’s population is projected
to top 125,000 by the year 2005.
From
a simple visionary farming community, Peoria, Arizona, a dynamic city,
has grown.
Peoria
AZ History
Peoria AZ Living
Peoria AZ Schools
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