Before becoming a US territory in 1848, Arizona was part of Mexico. The Mexican government established the region as part of the state of Sonora, but it later became its own separate territory.
About Pinal County
Pinal County Timeline
Pinal County, located in south-central Arizona, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Akimel O'odham (Pima) and the Tohono O'odham (Papago) peoples, who relied on farming and hunting for sustenance.
In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the region and established missions, bringing with them new technologies and crops. The area would later become part of the New Spain territory and, eventually, Mexico after gaining independence from Spain in 1821.
In the mid-19th century, the region experienced a significant influx of American settlers due to the discovery of gold and silver deposits. This led to the establishment of mining towns such as Silver King and the growth of other industries like ranching and agriculture. However, conflicts with Native American tribes and the harsh desert environment presented challenges to the early pioneers.
The arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in the 1870s brought further growth and development to Pinal County. Railroads played a crucial role in transporting goods and people, facilitating trade and commerce with neighboring regions. The county's economy flourished during this period, driven by mining, farming, and the construction of towns along the rail lines.
In recent decades, Pinal County has experienced rapid population growth, driven in part by its proximity to the Phoenix metropolitan area. Today, the county boasts a diverse economy, with sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, retail, and tourism playing a significant role in its development. Pinal County continues to embrace its rich past while looking toward a vibrant and promising future.
In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the region and established missions, bringing with them new technologies and crops. The area would later become part of the New Spain territory and, eventually, Mexico after gaining independence from Spain in 1821.
In the mid-19th century, the region experienced a significant influx of American settlers due to the discovery of gold and silver deposits. This led to the establishment of mining towns such as Silver King and the growth of other industries like ranching and agriculture. However, conflicts with Native American tribes and the harsh desert environment presented challenges to the early pioneers.
The arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in the 1870s brought further growth and development to Pinal County. Railroads played a crucial role in transporting goods and people, facilitating trade and commerce with neighboring regions. The county's economy flourished during this period, driven by mining, farming, and the construction of towns along the rail lines.
In recent decades, Pinal County has experienced rapid population growth, driven in part by its proximity to the Phoenix metropolitan area. Today, the county boasts a diverse economy, with sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, retail, and tourism playing a significant role in its development. Pinal County continues to embrace its rich past while looking toward a vibrant and promising future.
Pinal County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Pinal County, Arizona.
- 1875: Pinal County is established in the Arizona Territory.
- 1877: Florence is designated as the county seat.
- 1891: Mining begins in the Silver King Mine, leading to a population boom in the county.
- 1901: Kearny, Arizona, is founded as a mining town.
- 1918-1919: A flu pandemic hits Pinal County, causing significant loss of life.
- 1942: The Japanese internment camp, Gila River War Relocation Center, is established in Pinal County during World War II.
- 1947: Construction of the Coolidge Dam on the Gila River is completed.
- 1985: The town of Queen Creek incorporates, becoming the newest municipality in Pinal County.
- 2003: Pinal County experiences rapid growth, becoming one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States.