Mesa, Arizona, has a rich history that dates back over a thousand years, beginning with the Hohokam people, who constructed an extensive network of canals that transformed the desert into fertile farmland. These ancient canals were later revived by Mormon settlers who arrived in 1878, led by pioneers like Daniel Webster Jones. These settlers established the community of Mesa (Spanish for “tabletop,” reflecting the area’s flat landscape) and continued to expand the canal system, making agriculture the foundation of the town’s economy.

Mesa grew slowly until the early 20th century, when the completion of Roosevelt Dam in 1911 provided a reliable water source, spurring growth and development. Agriculture continued to dominate, but the city diversified further during World War II with the construction of Falcon Field and Williams Air Force Base, which brought military personnel and training facilities to the area. After the war, Mesa experienced rapid suburban growth, particularly in the 1950s and 60s, as people moved from across the U.S. to Arizona for its warm climate.

In recent decades, Mesa has transformed into Arizona’s third-largest city, becoming a center for technology, aerospace, and education, with Arizona State University’s Polytechnic campus and other educational institutions located in the area. While modern and expansive, Mesa retains elements of its historic roots in its downtown district and cultural sites, blending its agricultural past with a diverse, urbanized present.