Connie Rush
(520) 423-8250

Casa Grande, AZ Area Guide

Casa Grande is a rapidly growing city in Pinal County, approximately halfway between Phoenix and Tucson in Arizona. In 2007, Casa Grande’s population was approximately 41,000. It is named after the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, which is located in Coolidge. Casa Grande’s effusive and energetic community spirit and its excellent location have caused area residents and visitors to embrace it as “The Heart of Arizona.”

The natural beauty of the low desert and mountains that serve as a backdrop to the bustling city with the “hometown feel,” and a climate dominated by sunny days make Casa Grande an enviable place in which to live, work and play. This city offers every amenity of a big city with the rich history, rural heritage and friendly, easy-going atmosphere of a small town. Casa Grande is an active growth area with a balance of opportunities, including agriculture, retail, manufacturing, tourism and service industries.

Casa Grande was founded in 1879 and was incorporated in 1915. Casa Grande is named for the famous Hohokam Indian ruins 20 miles to the northeast. The Hohokams abandoned their settlement in this area, and the Spanish Conquistadors were most likely the first “outsiders” to visit the area, sometime during the mid-1500s. During this time, the Akimel O’Odham lived along the Gila River and grew such items as corn, wheat, cotton, melons, beans, squash, and tobacco. In addition, the Tohono O’Odham and the Maricopa peoples settled nearby.

Padre Kino, a Jesuit missionary was the first acknowledged white man to visit the area. He is credited with discovering the Casa Grande Ruins, as well as visiting the Akimel O’Odham villages along the Gila River. In 1846, Kit Carson guided an expedition from Santa Fe to California, traversing Pinal County along the Gila River. In 1848, the section of Arizona north of the Gila River was part of the land ceded to the United States by the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, ending the Mexican war of 1848. The land south of the Gila River, which includes Pinal County, was acquired in the 1853 Gadsden Purchase.

By September 1880, railroad executives renamed the settlement Casa Grande, for the prehistoric ruins located 20 miles northeast of town. By the end of 1880, Casa Grande has 33 permanent residents.

The town boomed as a railhead to mines by 1882. In 1886 and in 1893, the town was decimated by fire. All of the wooden-frame buildings erected after the 1886 fire burned in the 1893 fire and the entire business district had to be replaced for a second time in less than a decade. Although the town might have died with each fire, the beginning of Casa Grande’s indomitable community spirit stirred and merchants and business leaders rallied together to rebuild.

A national mining slump almost killed the town in the 1890s. By 1902, Casa Grande's business district had dwindled to a mercantile store, saloon and two smaller stores. Agriculture saved the community from becoming another Southwestern mining ghost town. It started with small-scale agriculture and farm trade, along with livestock and vegetables, crops such as alfalfa, wheat, barley, citrus and cotton became important export commodities.

Casa Grande Parks and Recreation

Here in Casa Grande you can enjoy the view as you hike the trails that wind up the peak. The park and surrounding area are known for its unique geological significance, outstanding and varied desert growth and historical importance. The park facilities include a visitor center with exhibits and a gift store, hiking trails, playground, historical markers, campground, picnic areas, grills, dump station, restrooms and showers.

Dave White Municipal Golf Course
Dave White Municipal Golf Course is open year round for great golfing in Casa Grande. Par 72 and 6651 yards from the gold tees make it a challenging course. Beautiful mountain views and mature trees line the course. The cart paths are all paved and the course's new irrigation system makes for a wonderful golf experience

Casa Grande Attractions

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
The Casa Grande Valley Historical Society Museum houses over 3,000 artifacts and includes period rooms that capture the region's Victorian era. Casa Grande’s market area consists of more than 91,000 consumers.

For more information on Casa Grande, AZ visit the official website by clicking here