Centuries before Columbus discovered America, Arizona was home to numerous Native American tribes. Impressive ruins and rock art testify to the artistry of these Ancient tribes. The Scottsdale canal system was created hundreds of years ago by the Hohokam tribe. In the 1800's the flag of the Mexican republic flew over most of Arizona.
The presence of this culture is reflected in the area's mission style architecture and Spanish street names. Later in the 1800's pioneers in the Conestoga wagons crossed the plains and miners came to look for gold & silver in the mountains surrounding the area. In 1888 Winfield Scott, the founder of Scottsdale, often surveyed his homestead (which he brought for $2.50) with great satisfaction.
His venture encouraged others and the desert was soon blooming with citrus trees, sweet potatoes and peanuts. The first one-room school house opened in 1896 and in 1897 the first general store and post office was built.
Scottsdale was incorporated on June 25, 1951. It has since bloomed into an international resort destination and offers the best of both worlds: the sophisticated culture and attractions of the new West and the sense of adventure of the Old!
Scottsdale offers a gold mine of adventure among a luxurious setting. Glide over mountains and desert in a hot-air balloon, explore the worlds of the cowboy and Native American and the cultures of both the New World and Europe
Scottsdale is truly the destination of Presidents, film stars and foreign royalty who have found the town to their liking over the years.
Accommodations range from 5-star internationally renowned resorts like the Biltmore and The Phoenician to cozy, more modest lodgings. Rates can be high during the winter months -- but there are wonderful summer savings at most of the resorts and hotels.
Many of Scottsdale's Resorts and Hotels offer golf packages. Some packages offer a choice of more than a dozen courses!
From cowboy rodeos to Native Indian powwows, golf and tennis tournaments to spring training baseball games, parades, art exhibits, classic car auctions, jazz festivals there is always something to do.
With more than 2,500 boutiques, shops and mall designed to indulge your very want and need, and with choices ranging from rare antiques to original one-of-a-kind crafts and jewelry, unique clothing to unusual gifts and furnishings, Scottsdale is a dedicated shoppers dream come true.
The settings are as unique as the shopping -- a Moroccan-inspired oasis and an Italian-style village, Scottsdale's charming "neighborhoods" of shops -- around 5th Ave., Marshall Way, Main Street and Old Town and the huge high-tech Malls including the newest addition Scottsdale's Fashion Square.
And, at different times of the year, special venues -- craft fairs, Native American festivals and farmer's markets--appear to tempt with handmade and homegrown treasures.
Scottsdale has approximately 120 galleries, studios and museums that attract art lovers from all over the United States, Canada and abroad.
Scottsdale is also a magnet for the performing arts. Music, dance, theatre and cinema definitely have their place in the "Valley of The Sun".
Enhanced by a sculpture garden, the Scottsdale Center for the Arts annually stages almost 1,000 events. Adding to the cities cultural riches are an intimate adobe recital hall, a community theatre, a symphony orchestra and a jazz society.
If Golf is your passion there are over 125 golf courses in Scottsdale and the surrounding area.
Or watch the pros -- Scottsdale hosts The Phoenix Open, the LPGA Standard Register Tournament, The Tradition at Desert Mountain. From well-conditioned greens and fairways, to breathtaking scenery, to approximately 360 days of sunshine a year, Arizona golf is truly an enjoyable experience.
Experience Spring training with the San Francisco Giants baseball team at the Scottsdale Stadium. Between spring training and a series of year-round events and celebrations, the stadium is a focal point for Scottsdale's residents. Scottsdale also hosts the Franklin Templeton Tennis Classic, the first stop on the ATP/IBM world tour.
Located 7 miles north of Scottsdale's downtown area, the Scottsdale Airport is a general aviation reliever facility and is home to many corporate aircraft in the valley. Approximately 8,000 passengers a year travel through Scottsdale Airport to see the numerous sights across the State of Arizona.
