The History of Scottsdale
After the collapse of the Hohokam civilization around 1400, the area of present day Scottsdale became a Pima village, whose name translated as “rotting hay”; even after European settlement began, some Pima continued living there in their traditional homes well into the 20th century. In 1888, a U.S. Army chaplain, Capt. Winfield Scott, purchased a 640 acre parcel of desert land east of Phoenix .He and his brother George farmed the land, and soon other families settled near the Scott farm. The small community was originally called Orangedale, but was dubbed Scottsdale in 1894. Citrus, sweet potatoes, peaches, wheat, figs, almonds, and peanuts were some of the main crops at that time.
The development of Scottsdale paralleled the development of the Phoenix area,and soon there was a large influx of visitors; the health benefits and touristic attractions were quickly becoming known throughout the country. The Ingleside Inn opened in 1912 (Indian School and 64th St), and was considered metro Phoenix’s first resort.
Additional renown was provided when Frank Lloyd Wright set up Taliesin West at the foot of the McDowell Mountains, and significantly influenced the architectural landscape of the Valley of the Sun, with examples such as the Biltmore Hotel, the Gammage Auditorium at ASU, and numerous private residences.
Scottsdale, through adroit marketing and well thought out planning, has developed a reputation as one of the top golf and resort destinations in the country. It also has a thriving business community, and continues to draw people from all over, who want to experience the Scottsdale lifestyle.Whether you come as a visitor, or you live her, Scottsdale always has something for everyone..