Scottsdale, Arizona

Home to the Hohokam people for over 1500 years from 300 BC to 1450 AD, Scottsdale was once a thriving pre-Columbian metropolis. This advanced civilization constructed an intricate irrigation system that still stands as one of the most impressive of its kind throughout North America. At its peak, the canals spanned an impressive 400 km. Though many of these canals remain today and have been revitalized to use in the 20th century, it is unclear why the Hohokam left their region around 1450 or 1500, likely due to a prolonged drought. The Akimel O’odham (Pima) and Tohono O’odham (Papago), who are thought to be direct descendants of the Hohokam, settled into this area afterward.

Though Scottsdale has evolved into a cosmopolitan city, the Pima people who formerly resided there still remain. The village of Vaṣai S-vaṣonĭ -translated to “rotting hay” – provides an integral glimpse into its origins. Until the late 1960s, a traditional dwelling stood in the southeast corner at the junction of Indian Bend Road and Hayden Road. Today, Pima who lives in Scottsdale, resides in modern homes instead of these historic dwellings. Furthermore, many Maricopa and Pima people live close by within the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community that adjoins Scottsdale on its southernmost border to the eastward side.

From the 1960s to 1970, the city’s population skyrocketed to 68,000 and was still growing. The northern area of town had much vacant land available for development, so that became a focal point of expansion and growth. Today, Scottsdale is now an affluent city and the population has more than doubled to just over 250,000. It continues to be a popular destination for vacationers who come to explore its beautiful Sonoran Desert landscape and diverse culture.