advertisement
21 October 2024
Located in the far West Valley, about 35 miles west of downtown Phoenix, Buckeye, Arizona, has made headlines as one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. While its contemporary growth captures attention. Buckeye has a rich history, from starting as a small farming community to a bustling urban center.
Founded in the late 19th century, the Clanton family co-founded Buckeye, particularly Thomas Newt Clanton, who left Creston, Iowa, in 1877. This rural settlement thrived thanks to the Buckeye Canal. A key waterway that enabled irrigation and agricultural development in the arid desert landscape. Early settler Malie M. Jackson and partners began constructing the canal in the late 1800s, naming it after Jackson’s home state of Ohio. The Buckeye Canal was paramount in shaping the city’s early economy and lifestyle. It supported farming endeavors that attracted settlers to the region.
The name “Buckeye” is derived from the Ohio Buckeye tree, which produces distinctive nuts and serves as Ohio’s official state tree. Initially named Sidney in 1888, the town’s official name changed in 1910, influenced by the Buckeye Post Office that had already adopted the name. The city began to flourish, aided by advancements in transportation and the establishment of new businesses and buildings.
Incorporated in 1912, the city encompassed 440 acres of land. Over the decades, the city underwent significant changes, transforming from a canal town into a vibrant community. Despite this, it wasn’t until 2014 that Buckeye was officially recognized as a city.
Today, Buckeye spans approximately 640 square miles, making it one of the largest cities in the United States by area. As of 2023, its estimated population is nearly 110,000, with projections indicating that this number could soar to almost 300,000 by 2040. The rapid population growth can be attributed to various factors, including its appealing climate, affordable housing options, and proximity to major employment centers in Phoenix.
Despite its agricultural roots, much of the farmland is earmarked for urban development. This transformation presents challenges and opportunities as the city grapples with balancing growth while preserving its historic character.
As city continues to expand, the city faces challenges inherent to rapid growth, such as infrastructure demands, environmental sustainability, and the preservation of community identity. However, this growth also opens up opportunities for new businesses, recreational facilities, and educational institutions that enhance the quality of life for its residents.
The city is committed to addressing these challenges by investing in infrastructure and public services, ensuring that Buckeye remains an attractive place to live while honoring its storied past.
advertisement
A towering wall of dust can roll across central Arizona on a monsoon evening, swallowing skylines, grounding flights, and cutting visibility to near zero across parts of the Phoenix metro. Spectacular? Absolutely. Routine? In the Southwest, yes. These dramatic dust storms—called haboobs—are a hallmark of Arizona’s summer monsoon. Here is what they are, how they form, and how to stay safe when one arrives. advertisement What Is a Haboob? A haboob is a fast-moving dust storm generated by thunderstorm outflow winds. As a storm cell collapses or surges forward, dense, cool air rushes toward the ground and spreads outward like
Coyotes are as much a part of Arizona’s landscape as saguaros and sunsets. Known for their adaptability and eerie night calls, these wild canines have become one of the state’s most fascinating and misunderstood residents. Whether spotted trotting across desert trails or heard howling in suburban neighborhoods, coyotes embody the untamed spirit of the Southwest. advertisement Masters of Adaptation Arizona’s diverse terrain — from the Sonoran Desert to pine-covered plateaus — offers coyotes a variety of habitats. Few animals are as flexible in their survival strategies. Coyotes thrive in deserts, forests, grasslands, and even urban environments like Phoenix and Tucson.
Arizona might be known for its sun-soaked deserts and dramatic red rock formations, but the Grand Canyon State also offers incredible water adventures for locals and visitors alike. From lazy tubing down rivers to kayaking through canyons, there’s no shortage of aquatic fun to cool off under the Arizona sun. advertisement 1. Tubing the Salt River No Arizona summer is complete without a float down the Salt River in Mesa. This laid-back, family-friendly activity lets you relax as you drift through stunning desert scenery while spotting wild horses along the banks. Bring sunscreen, water shoes, and a waterproof speaker for
The Salt River wild horses are one of Arizona’s most beloved symbols of freedom, beauty, and resilience. These majestic animals roam the lower Salt River in the Tonto National Forest, an area synonymous with the wild, untamed spirit of the American West. But once again, their very existence is under threat. advertisement A Fight for Survival In 2015, when the Salt River wild horses faced possible removal, Arizonans came together in a historic show of unity. The outpouring of public support led to the passage of the Salt River Horse Act in 2016, protecting the herd from unnecessary removal and
