Phoenix "Valley of the Sun" Is Surrounded by History and Mystery
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Motivated by the need to have an address along with the inspiration to rebuild from the ruins of a prior civilization, Lord Darrell Duppa suggested the name "Phoenix" to describe the new farming community located in the Southwest. However, historical records would still give credit to Jack Swilling of Wickenburg, Arizona who in 1867, discovered and made use of the existing irrigation canals constructed by the Hohokam civilization dated as early as AD 700. The development would be rapid and on February 25, 1881 Phoenix was incorporated as a city.

Ongoing growth and development contributed to Phoenix taking ownership as the capital for the State of Arizona. Presently, more than half the state's residents live in Phoenix, now the 5th largest city in the United States and projected to be the 4th largest in 2008. Residents of Phoenix are known as Phoenicians and, as in all great cities, the residents take pride in preserving and sharing their rich history in museums, libraries, national parks and land marks.

Tales of gunfights, ghosts, fortunes won and lost, beckon many a traveler seeking to learn if there really is gold to be found in world-famous "Lost Dutchman Gold Mine" located in the Superstition Mountains near Apache Junction, Arizona. Other visitors will find adventure in enjoying a round of golf, touring a winery in Sedona, relaxing at a spa, mountain bike riding, hiking, boating, fishing, or simply strolling in the warm winter climate from October through April.

The outdoor enthusiast will need not travel far to view the official state tree - the Palo Verde - or the amazing Saguro cactus. This slow-growing cactus is native to the Sonoran Desert and is home to many small creatures seeking shelter and food, including the Cactus Wren, Arizona's state bird.

Visitors who want an authentic taste of Arizona will want to consider seeking out Indian fry bread or authentic Mexican dishes as well as listening to the music of a Mariachi band. So as you plan your trip to ACR's Annual Conference, you may want to consider coming early and staying late. See you in sunny Arizona!

Article by Mary Schuh