Maricopa’s history chronicled in more than 200 vintage images

Local author Patricia Brock and the Maricopa Historical Society have authored “Maricopa,” the newest addition to the popular Images of America Series by Arcadia Publishing. Boasting more than 200 vintage images, “Maricopa” showcases a city that changed locations three times and played a key role in the development of the Southwest.

In 1858, Maricopa came into existence as an isolated little town in the middle of the desert. It served as the major stop for the Butterfield Overland Stage Coaches and became a beacon of light for trappers, traders and immigrants brave enough to travel to its unknown land. Maricopa moved south in 1879 to latch onto the newly-built Southern Pacific Railroad and became Arizona’s freight distribution center. 

A second move took Maricopa 4 miles east to better align with Tempe. Thus began Maricopa’s life as an important railroad junction, playing host to two presidents, 1911 flying machines, honeymoon couples, actors and a collection of wildcats to entertain the hundreds of passengers who waited for their connections to Phoenix or points east and west.

The book also showcases the Ak-Chin community, one of the largest farming enterprises in the nation,and includes maps of the town’s three locations: Maricopa Wells, Maricopaville and Maricopa Junction, the present location.

“Maricopa” is available online and at area bookstores and other retailers. Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States: www.arcadiapublishing.com.

At a glance
“Maricopa”
By Patricia Brock and the Maricopa Historical Society
Price: $21.99
128 pages/ softcover