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 is famous for its desert landscapes, dramatic sunsets, and historic landmarks. But across the state, another form of art is quietly transforming walls, alleyways, and entire neighborhoods. Street art has become one of the most vibrant and accessible forms of creative expression in Arizona, turning ordinary buildings into outdoor galleries. From massive murals in downtown Phoenix to colorful installations in Tucson and unexpected pieces tucked into smaller towns, Arizona’s street art scene reflects the culture, history, and creativity of the communities that create it. advertisement Phoenix: A Growing Urban Canvas Phoenix has become the center of Arizona’s street art
Long before astronauts set foot on the lunar surface, scientists in Arizona were already studying it in remarkable detail. By the time President John F. Kennedy announced in 1961 that the United States would land a man on the moon before the end of the decade, researchers at the University of Arizona had already begun mapping the moon’s surface. Their work would prove critical to the success of NASA’s robotic missions and the historic Apollo landings. At the center of this effort was Gerard P. Kuiper, widely known as the father of modern planetary science. advertisement The Birth of Lunar
Arizona is a paradise for bird watchers, offering a diverse range of habitats that support both native species and migratory birds. From its desert landscapes to its high-altitude mountains, Arizona is home to an astonishing array of bird species. However, some birds in the state are considered rare, either due to their limited range, dwindling populations, or specific habitat preferences. In this article, we’ll explore some of the rarest birds in Arizona and what makes them so special. advertisement 1. California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) Status: Critically Endangered The California Condor is arguably one of the most iconic rare birds in
Arizona summers can make outdoor play feel impossible, especially in the middle of the day. The good news is there are plenty of affordable, family-friendly options that keep kids cool, active, and entertained without turning it into a big-ticket outing. Below are budget-friendly ideas across the Valley, including museums, indoor play spots with strong reviews, and free or low-cost options for early mornings and evenings. advertisement 1) Affordable Indoor Museums (Air-Conditioned and Worth It) Idea Museum (Mesa) If you have younger kids who love hands-on play, art, and creative exploration, the Idea Museum is a solid summer option. It is
