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Maricopa, AZ Area Guide

Maricopa is a city in Pinal County, Arizona, thirty miles south of Phoenix in the Gila River Valley. As of 2008, Maricopa’s population is approximately 45,600. This makes it the largest city in the county and Arizona’s seventeenth-largest city.

Maricopa’s conception took place at a series of watering holes eight miles north of present day Maricopa, and about a mile west of Pima Butte. It was called Maricopa Wells. Several of Arizona’s rivers, the Gila, Santa Cruz, Vekol and Santa Rosa provided this oasis in the desert with an ample supply of water during this period of time.
Maricopa Wells was one of the most important relay stations along the famous Butterfield Overland Mail Route during the 1800s. The most prosperous period of time for Maricopa Wells was in the 1870s. During this time the Wells provided water and food for not only the east-west travelers, but those who traveled to the north. Fairly good roads had been built by James A. Moore, the proprietor at Maricopa Wells, to all points north and the Wells was a constant hubbub of activity. With its ample supply of water and prosperous trading center, it truly was a shining beacon and sanctuary in the desert for those thousands of travelers who depended upon its resources for their survival.

Maricopa’s second moment of fame took place eight miles south of Maricopa Wells and about three miles west of present day Maricopa. It was called Maricopaville. In 1879, the Southern Pacific Railroad was in the process of building a railroad line from Yuma to Tucson, and a second railroad line was to be built from Maricopaville, wrapping around the western edge of South Mountain into Phoenix. However, a railroad line was never built from Maricopaville into Phoenix. Maricopaville was moved three miles to the east to its present location of Maricopa in the early 1880s, and began its life as a famous railroad junction when the first M&P train left Maricopa for Phoenix on July 4, 1887. Once again, all east-west travelers had to stop at Maricopa, and those who wanted to travel to the north had to board the Maricopa & Phoenix Railroad which took them into Kyrene, Tempe and Phoenix.

The city was officially incorporated on October 15, 2003. The city’s first special census was completed Saturday, March 13, 2004, and showed a population of 4,998.

Maricopa Parks and Recreation

The City of Maricopa Parks and Recreation Division is proud to offer a wide variety of classes, programs and events for children and adults.
Attractions and Activities

Maricopa offers numerous attractions and activities that will suit your entire family. Come spend a day with your friends at Harrah’s Casino or relax at The Duke at Rancho El Dorado. Whatever you choose here in Maricopa, you are going to have a great time!

For more information on Maricopa Parks & Recreation visit the website by clicking here

Maricopa Attractions

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino
Harrah's Entertainment is the world's largest provider of branded casino entertainment through operating subsidiaries. Since its beginning in Reno, Nevada 70 years ago, Harrah's has grown through development of new properties, expansions and acquisitions, and now owns or manages casino resorts on four continents.

The Duke at Rancho El Dorado
The Duke at Rancho El Dorado is a golf club fashioned for the golfer with a sense of discovery. Highlighted by expansive fairways that complement the wide open spaces of the Old West, The Duke creates a challenging golf experience for golfers with a passion for the game. The Duke offers the public all they expect in a golf club at a reasonable price without sacrifice.

Maricopa Events

Maricopa is home to many spectacular events that will keep you and your family busy throughout the year. Please visit the link below for great ideas!

For more details on Events in Maricopa, AZ please visit http://www.casagrandechamber.org/ww2g/dayplanner.php

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