On a bed of a primordial ocean floor and in a valley surrounded by jagged mountains, a city was founded atop the ruins of a vanished civilization. In 1867, former Confederate soldier Jack Swilling saw the remains of an ancient canal system and the potential for the area to blossom into a thriving agricultural center. Pioneers moved into the settlement searching for new opportunities, and on October 20, 1870, residents living in adobe structures that lined dirt streets adopted the name Phoenix, expressing the optimism of the frontier. For decades, downtown Phoenix was a dense urban core, the hub of agricultural fields, mining settlements, and military posts. Unfortunately, suburban sprawl and other social factors of the postWorld War II era led to the centers decline. With time, things changed, and now downtown Phoenix is uniquely positioned to rise again as a prominent 21st-century American city.

Lord Darrell Duppa, along with his friend Jack Swilling, suggested the name Phoenix for the city he had cofounded because it described a city born from the ruins of a former civilization. Settled on the ancestral lands of the Hohokam Indians, Phoenix was thriving by the early 1920s when craftsmanship and attention to detail were the orders of the day. Buildings were designed to welcome residents and travelers alike. Today the Fox Theater, the Clark Churchill House, the Kon Tiki Hotel, and the Fleming Building exist only in photographs and in the memories of Phoenix residents. The National Register of Historic Places and the Phoenix Historic Property Register have heightened public awareness and appreciation for the communitys historic landmarks, but much has been lost already. Remembering these buildings and landmarks is essential to understanding this remarkable city.

Profiles each city and major neighborhood in the Phoenix, Arizona area for prospective home buyers, with information on real estate and house prices, schools, shopping, dining, and more.

Everything from clothing styles to tequila shots is kicked back in Arizona. From teeming, cosmopolitan Phoenix to long stretches of open roads to intriguing trails that lead to incredible sights or adventures, Arizona has it all. This friendly guide helps you enjoy it all, with info on: 5 great itineraries, including kid-friendly jaunts, plus day trips and two-day trips The grandeur of the Grand Canyon, the Red Rocks of Sedona, the expanses of northeast Arizona—Hopi and Navajo country, and more Fantastic historic attractions, including Frank Lloyd Wright’s former home and studio, a ghost town, a mining town, an active trading post, Holbook (home of classic Route 66 kitsch), and more Upscale shopping in Phoenix or bargaining in Nogales Rafting on the Colorado River, mountain biking in Sedona, being a cowhand at a dude ranch, star gazing, horseback riding, and more Where to find Native American crafts, Navajo rugs, Western art, Southwestern and ethnic furnishing, katchina dolls, silver inlay jewelry Fantastic museums and monuments where you can delve into Native American culture, plus some places where the ancient traditions are practiced today Like every For Dummies travel guide, Arizona For Dummies, 4th Edition includes: Down-to-earth trip-planning advice What you shouldn’t miss — and what you can skip The best hotels and restaurants for every budget Handy Post-it Flags to mark your favorite pages Whether you want to experience the Old West or the new West…whether your style is luxuriating at a plush resort, golfing on glorious, challenging courses, appreciating incredible sights and scenery, or exploring historical attractions and our Native American heritage, you’ll find lots to do in Arizona. Kick back, relax, and enjoy.