About Maricopa
Maricopa is located roughly 20 miles south of Phoenix and about 20 miles northwest of Casa Grande. Maricopa is a place whose history has been one of welcoming strangers and making them friends. It is a place with a tradition of raising families that have respect, honor and pride. Father Kino's (see history below) vision was to advance the lifestyle of the people he encountered. With suburbia finding its way to Maricopa through master planned developments, history is again being written and lifestyle is advancing.
Growth
Today, Maricopa is a city experiencing hypergrowth with a population expected to exceed 100,000 by the end of 2010. As of December 31 2005, the population of the City of Maricopa was 15,934 according to the 2005 Special Census. This figure is up from 4,998 in the year 2004. Current projections predict a population of roughly 24,000 by the end of 2006 and 200,000 by 2025.
A Brief History
A 1694 journal entry by Father Euseblo Francisco Kino records a description of what would become Maricopa Wells. He noted an established agricultural community populated by friendly Native Americans who were established traders.
In the Mid-1800's, when everything south of the Gila River was still part of Mexico, Maricopa Wells was a dependable source of water along the Gila Trail. It became an important and famous stage stop for the Butterfield Overland Mail Line that stretched from San Antonio to San Diego.
The 1870's brought the railroad south of the wells and the ever-adaptable people of the area moved to meet the needs of progress. Phoenix was little more than a tiny village on the Salt River but growing political influence led to building of a spur line from Maricopa to Phoenix. Today's Maricopa Road (John Wayne Parkway) lays over the top of that old rail line.
In 1935, Maricopa settled into a slower pace as rail traffic north was halted. Although agricultural production had been consistent through time, it became the catalyst when the rail service was cut. Increased mechanization of agriculture slowed the flow of people. However, it created a hearty farm economy that thrives today. Maricopa is one of the most productive farm communities in the state. Cotton, grains, fruit, vegetables, and beef thrive in this arid desert.
This information was taken from www.cityofmaricopa.net.
Below are some other interesting links describing Maricopa's history and legends:
