advertisement
11 January 2022
Mill Avenue is perhaps the most historic cultural hub and landmark in Tempe, AZ. It is located in a 1.2-mile strip between Gammage Auditorium and the Hayden Flour Mill. While it may look like an ordinary place littered with restaurants, bars, boutiques, and other shops, Mill Avenue has a rich history.
advertisement
Farming moved to the area shortly after the Civil War. To provide water to their fields across the valley, they dug up the Hohokam canals left behind and built new ones. To the west of Tempe Butte, small farms were started by a group of Hispanic families. A mercantile and freighting business owner named Charles Trumbell Hayden settled here in 1870.
Tempe was named in 1879 after some of the earlier settlement names following the merging of these communities. Lord Darrell Duppa, who helped establish Phoenix, is credited with suggesting the name. Seeing the butte and the river, as well as the vast expanse of green fields, brought to mind the Vale of Tempe in ancient Greece.
The Tempe Irrigating Canal Company supplied the necessary water as more farmers settled in the Valley to raise alfalfa and grains for livestock. Hayden Mill benefited from crops of wheat, barley, and oats. Flour was hauled to forts and other settlements throughout the territory. In the 1890s, some farmers began growing new cash crops, such as dates and citrus fruits.
Tempe was selected by the Arizona legislature in 1885 as the site of the Territorial Normal School, which trained teachers for Arizona’s schools. In 1887, the Maricopa and Phoenix Railroad crossed the Salt River at Tempe, connecting Tempe to the nation’s growing transportation network. Tempe became an important business and shipping center for the surrounding agricultural area.
In 1911, Roosevelt Dam provided enough water to meet the growing needs of Valley farmers. From the steps of what is now Arizona State University, former President Theodore Roosevelt praised the accomplishments of the people of central Arizona on his way to dedicate the dam. He predicted their towns would become prosperous cities. In less than a year, Arizona became the 48th state and the Salt River Valley was well on its way to becoming the new population center of the Southwest.
Tempe’s centennial in 1971 prompted the revitalization of Mill Avenue into an entertainment and shopping district that draws people from all over the valley.
In 1981, after more than a century of operation, the Hayden milling industry was sold to Bay State Milling in Massachusetts and the Hayden Flour Mill closed under the same family name.
advertisement
Today, Hayden Mill is creating controversy among Tempe residents. While some argue that it is the biggest eyesore on Mill, others are putting forward ideas on how to make the most of the mill and restore it to its almost original condition. There is also a proposal to make Hayden Mill a historical site or historical museum and perhaps move the headquarters of the Tempe History Museum down there.
Tempe residents hope that the Hayden Mill site becomes a place of pride for their city and the rich history is preserved and passed on to future generations.
advertisement
Arizona comes alive in November with festivals, art shows, and outdoor events celebrating the best of culture, cuisine, and creativity. From Día de los Muertos celebrations in downtown Phoenix to the glow of floating lanterns in Tempe, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this fall. advertisement Mikiztli Día de los Muertos Phoenix Festival Celebrate the vibrant traditions of Día de los Muertos at Mikiztli, a family-friendly event honoring Indigenous roots and community remembrance. Enjoy mariachi performances, ballet folklórico, face painting, local art, and food trucks. The evening concludes with a lively sunset procession led by Las Flacas, towering 8-foot skeleton
Long before the Valley of the Sun became the desert city we know today, this region was a hub of dynamic earth processes that left behind the strange formations that make up the Papago Mountain. advertisement Ancient Origins Some of Arizona’s oldest geological features, such as the mountains around Sedona and Tucson, date back approximately 2.7 billion years. In comparison, the Phoenix area is geologically young, at 15 to 30 million years old. This makes it one of the newest regions in the state. Notably, much of Arizona’s ancient rock has been uplifted and carried far from its origin. Some
Arizona’s craft beer scene is flourishing, with major cities offering a diverse array of brewpubs that cater to every palate. Here’s a guide to some of the best brewpubs in Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, and Tempe. advertisement Phoenix Wren House Brewing Company: Located at 2125 N 24th St, this brewery is renowned for its award-winning beers. For instance, the Spellbinder IPA is crafted with Arizona-grown Sonoran white wheat and a blend of Cascade, Citra, and Mosaic hops. Hop Culture Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co.: Situated at 201 E Roosevelt St, this brewery emphasizes local ingredients. It offers unique brews that reflect the
The Grand Canyon, one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world, is a testament to the immense power of time and geology. It spans over 277 miles, reaching depths of more than a mile, and offers visitors a stunning view of layered rock formations that tell the story of Earth’s geological history. But how did this awe-inspiring landscape come to be? The formation of the Grand Canyon is the result of millions of years of geological processes, combining erosion, volcanic activity, and the slow movement of tectonic plates. advertisement The Ancient Foundations The Grand Canyon’s story began long
