Apache Junction is a unique town in Arizona with a rich history shaped by Native American heritage, early settlers, and the development of infrastructure that connected it to other parts of the state. Its name originates from the nearby Apache Trail, a historic stagecoach route that passes through the Superstition Mountains. Here’s a closer look at the history of Apache Junction:

Early History

• Native American Heritage: Long before European settlers arrived, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, notably the Apache people, who traveled through and lived around the Superstition Mountains. The Apache were known for their skilled adaptation to the desert environment and defended their territories from both Spanish and American expansion.

• The Apache Trail: Originally a footpath used by the Apache people, the trail later became a crucial route for early settlers. In the early 1900s, it was expanded as a stagecoach route that stretched from Mesa, Arizona, through Apache Junction, and into the rugged Superstition Mountains. The road got its name from the Apache who originally used the route, and it became one of Arizona’s most scenic drives, highlighting the dramatic desert landscapes and offering a path to the Tonto National Forest.

Development of Infrastructure and Early Settlement

• Roosevelt Dam: In 1903, the federal government initiated the construction of the Roosevelt Dam along the Salt River, a monumental project in Arizona’s early development. The dam was completed in 1911 and served as the state’s first major water reclamation project, supporting agriculture and urban growth in the Salt River Valley. The Apache Trail was developed into a more permanent road to support the dam’s construction, with supply routes running through what is now Apache Junction.

• “The Junction”: By the 1920s and 1930s, “The Junction,” where the Apache Trail met U.S. Route 60, became a known stopping point for travelers. The route through the Superstition Mountains attracted visitors, prospectors, and treasure hunters due to the legendary Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine, a mysterious, possibly fictitious gold mine believed to be hidden in the Superstition Mountains. Stories of the mine have fascinated adventurers for decades, bringing thousands to the area hoping to uncover its riches.