Phoenix

Population

2010: 1,445,632, #6 in U.S., #1 in Arizona

1950: 106,818, #99 in U.S.

2010 Metropolitan Area: 4,192,887, #14 in U.S.

1950 Metropolitan Area: 331,770, #56 in U.S.

Setting

Phoenix was founded in 1868 in the desert along the Salt River, which now is normally dry. Like other southwestern cities, most of its growth came in the post-World War II era, when air conditioning became common in homes and businesses. Arizona State University has a campus in downtown Phoenix.

Buildings

Tallest building: Chase Tower, 483 feet (1972)

List of tallest buildings

The old Arizona State Capitol (1901, 92 feet tall) is now a museum. The state government has moved to other buildings.

Heritage Square has several historic residences and other buildings.

Stores

Phoenix has no downtown department stores. Arizona Center is an open-air shopping area.

Trains

Phoenix has not been served by Amtrak trains since 1996. The old Union Station (1923) is currently used for offices.

Valley Metro Rail opened a segment from downtown Phoenix to Mesa in 2008. It now goes 26 miles.

Museums

The Arizona Science Center is downtown, and the Phoenix Art Museum and Heard Museum are just north of downtown.