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What Phoenix, Arizona looked like in the early 20th Century

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The population of Phoenix, Arizona, reached 5,554 at the turn of the century. Governor Murphy dedicated the permanent state Capitol building on February 25, 1901. An 11-acre site was purchased on the west end of Washington Street for $130,000. A bill passed by the state legislature in 1901 allowed such a tax to support free libraries, so the Phoenix City Council levied a $5,000,000 tax. In his proposal, Andrew Carnegie set conditions for donating a library building to the city. The Carnegie Free Library opened in 1908, dedicated by Benjamin Fowler.

Phoenix’s warm, dry climate was an attraction for tuberculosis patients when the only cure was to rest in a warm location. In 1895, the sisters of Mercy opened St. Joseph’s Hospital with 24 private rooms for tuberculosis patients. The city’s Protestants funded a new hospital despite the Catholic population being small and poor. The sisters opened Arizona’s first nursing school in 1910. Today, St. Joseph’s Hospital is managed by Dignity Health, and the sisters of Mercy are still in charge. The sisters also ran Sacred Heart Academy until 1901. In 1917, the sisters of the Precious Blood opened St. Mary’s Catholic High School. The Jesuits opened Brophy College Preparatory for boys in 1928.

During his presidency, President Theodore Roosevelt signed the National Reclamation Act, which permitted the building of dams on western streams for reclamation purposes. In 1903, residents organized the Salt River Valley Water Users’ Association to manage the water and power supply. The Salter Project still operates as an agency. In 1906, the construction of the Theodore Roosevelt Dam began. Upon construction, it became the first dam under the National Reclamation Act to supply water and electricity. The former president dedicated the dam on May 18, 1911, forming several freshwater lakes in the surrounding mountain ranges.

Phoenix has a charter that gives the city home rule, but not in the fullest sense. Courts have determined that when the Legislature passes a law that affects cities and towns, the court determines whether the law is of statewide concern or municipal or local concern. The law is binding on the City of Phoenix, even if it violates some charter provisions.

Here are some stunning historical photos that will take you back to the 1900s in Phoenix, Arizona.

#1 Horse Drawn Fire Wagon in Front of the Phoenix Fire Department, 1908

Horse Drawn Fire Wagon in Front of the Phoenix Fire Department, 1908

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#6 View looking east with First Ave. in the foreground, Phoenix, 1907

View looking east with First Ave. in the foreground, Phoenix, 1907

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#9 View looking east with First Ave. in the foreground, 1900

View looking east with First Ave. in the foreground, 1900

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#11 McCulloch Bros. Studio Exterior, 1920s. This building was located at 18 N. 2nd Avenue in Phoenix.

McCulloch Bros. Studio Exterior, 1920s. This building was located at 18 N. 2nd Avenue in Phoenix.

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#17 “La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux” Railroad Engine and Boxcar, 1900s

"La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux" Railroad Engine and Boxcar, 1900s

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#19 Camelback Farms in Phoenix, which were built as part of the Farm Security Administration Project, as seen in 1940.

Camelback Farms in Phoenix, which were built as part of the Farm Security Administration Project, as seen in 1940.

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#20 In the mid-1870s, Phoenix was an adobe village. This is Washington Street downtown.

In the mid-1870s, Phoenix was an adobe village. This is Washington Street downtown.

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#21 Mayor Louis P. Whitney (third from right ) and the City Commission pose with Phoenix streetcar No. 100 on its first run Christmas Day, 1928.

Mayor Louis P. Whitney (third from right ) and the City Commission pose with Phoenix streetcar No. 100 on its first run Christmas Day, 1928.

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#22 The other great threat was flooding. There were great floods in 1890 and 1891, and again, shown here, in 1905.

The other great threat was flooding. There were great floods in 1890 and 1891, and again, shown here, in 1905.

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#23 It’s hard to imagine the Valley without its canals and laterals.

It's hard to imagine the Valley without its canals and laterals.

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#24 Courtesy Chevrolet, with its well-known arrow sign, has been in the Phoenix area since 1955.

Courtesy Chevrolet, with its well-known arrow sign, has been in the Phoenix area since 1955.

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#25 Inside the Holsum Bakery in Phoenix, circa 1890. Standing center left is Ed Eisele, founder, who purchased Phoenix Bakery in 1884 and center right, Alfred Becker who became his partner shortly after.

Inside the Holsum Bakery in Phoenix, circa 1890. Standing center left is Ed Eisele, founder, who purchased Phoenix Bakery in 1884 and center right, Alfred Becker who became his partner shortly after.

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#26 Valley Machine Co., at 701 W. Jackson St., later became Valley Machine Works, 1909

Valley Machine Co., at 701 W. Jackson St., later became Valley Machine Works, 1909

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#27 Donofrio’s confectionary shown in 1912 on Washington Street, about halfway between First Street and Central Avenue in Phoenix.

Donofrio's confectionary shown in 1912 on Washington Street, about halfway between First Street and Central Avenue in Phoenix.

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#29 Bucky O’Neill Statue in Front of the Prescott Courthouse, 1910

Bucky O'Neill Statue in Front of the Prescott Courthouse, 1910

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#35 Will and James McCulloch on Flatbed Truck During Midwinter Carnival, 1900s

Will and James McCulloch on Flatbed Truck During Midwinter Carnival, 1900s

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#39 Trinity Cathedral Choir in Front of Church Building, 1900s

Trinity Cathedral Choir in Front of Church Building, 1900s

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#40 Dorris-Heyman Furniture Company Building Exterior, 1900s

Dorris-Heyman Furniture Company Building Exterior, 1900s

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#42 Apache Trail Auto Stage Co. Office at Night, 1900s

Apache Trail Auto Stage Co. Office at Night, 1900s

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#56 Phoenix Union High School Auditorium Exterior, 1900s

Phoenix Union High School Auditorium Exterior, 1900s

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#58 Frank Luke, Jr. Medal Presentation Ceremonies at the State Capitol, 1918

Frank Luke, Jr. Medal Presentation Ceremonies at the State Capitol, 1918

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#59 Open Air Lunch on Adams Street Held to Raise Reflief Funds for Europe Following World War I, 1918

Open Air Lunch on Adams Street Held to Raise Reflief Funds for Europe Following World War I, 1918

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#62 Donofrio’s Candy Store at Night, 1917. This store was located on Washington Street in Phoenix.

Donofrio's Candy Store at Night, 1917. This store was located on Washington Street in Phoenix.

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#64 Hail on Sidewalk in Front of Shops on E. Adams Street, 1917

Hail on Sidewalk in Front of Shops on E. Adams Street, 1917

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#65 Arizona Printers Union Float During World War I Parade, 1917

Arizona Printers Union Float During World War I Parade, 1917

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#66 Beatrice and Margaret McCulloch Drying Dates, 1915

Beatrice and Margaret McCulloch Drying Dates, 1915

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#68 Dave and Lillias Goodfellow at Residence on Mullberry Avenue, Tonto Natural Bridge, Arizona, 1914

Dave and Lillias Goodfellow at Residence on Mullberry Avenue, Tonto Natural Bridge, Arizona, 1914

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#69 Spectator Watching the Laying of Cornerstone at Monroe School, 1914

Spectator Watching the Laying of Cornerstone at Monroe School, 1914

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#70 Dwight B. Heard Investments Office Exterior, 1910. This building was located on the southeast corner of Central Avenue and Adams Street in Phoenix.

Dwight B. Heard Investments Office Exterior, 1910. This building was located on the southeast corner of Central Avenue and Adams Street in Phoenix.

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#72 The Grace Lutheran Church and Third Street and Moreland was built in 1928

The Grace Lutheran Church and Third Street and Moreland was built in 1928

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#73 The First Presbyterian Church at Monroe and Fourth Avenue, now home to City of Grace Church, was built in 1927

The First Presbyterian Church at Monroe and Fourth Avenue, now home to City of Grace Church, was built in 1927

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#74 First Baptist Church, located at Third Ave and Monroe, was built in 1929.

First Baptist Church, located at Third Ave and Monroe, was built in 1929.

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#75 A photo of the plasterers who were building the Westward Ho in Phoenix in 1927.

A photo of the plasterers who were building the Westward Ho in Phoenix in 1927.

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#76 The Westward Ho hotel in downtown Phoenix, 1930s.

The Westward Ho hotel in downtown Phoenix, 1930s.

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#78 Neon signs light up the night at a Phoenix tourist court in February 1942.

Neon signs light up the night at a Phoenix tourist court in February 1942.

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#79 A cactus streelight stands in Phoenix in May 1940.

A cactus streelight stands in Phoenix in May 1940.

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#80 Students sit outside the entrance to Phoenix Union High School’s science building in May 1940.

Students sit outside the entrance to Phoenix Union High School's science building in May 1940.

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#81 Palm trees line a Phoenix residential street in May 1940.

Palm trees line a Phoenix residential street in May 1940.

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#82 A man and his daughter pose for pictures at Camelback Farms in February 1942.

A man and his daughter pose for pictures at Camelback Farms in February 1942.

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#83 A man hauls water to his home in Phoenix in May 1940.

A man hauls water to his home in Phoenix in May 1940.

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#84 The Phoenix Municipal Golf Course as seen in May 1940.

The Phoenix Municipal Golf Course as seen in May 1940.

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#85 Bicycles are parked outside Phoenix Union High School in May 1940.

Bicycles are parked outside Phoenix Union High School in May 1940.

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#87 The inside of a cooperative store in Phoenix as seen in May 1940.

The inside of a cooperative store in Phoenix as seen in May 1940.

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#88 High school girls in Phoenix get photographed in their senior graduation play costumes in May 1940.

High school girls in Phoenix get photographed in their senior graduation play costumes in May 1940.

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#89 The sign that welcomed people to Phoenix in May 1940.

The sign that welcomed people to Phoenix in May 1940.

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#90 The inside of a cooperative store in Phoenix as seen in May 1940.

The inside of a cooperative store in Phoenix as seen in May 1940.

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#91 The entrance to a cooperative store in Phoenix as seen in May 1940.

The entrance to a cooperative store in Phoenix as seen in May 1940.

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#92 The inside of a cooperative store in Phoenix as seen in May 1940.

The inside of a cooperative store in Phoenix as seen in May 1940.

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#93 A worker repairs a farmer’s truck with an electric welder in Phoenix during May 1940.

A worker repairs a farmer's truck with an electric welder in Phoenix during May 1940.

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#94 Tents set up near the railroad tracks near Phoenix as seen in May 1940.

Tents set up near the railroad tracks near Phoenix as seen in May 1940.

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#95 People listen to an orchestra play outside a Phoenix grocery store on Saturday afternoon in May 1940.

People listen to an orchestra play outside a Phoenix grocery store on Saturday afternoon in May 1940.

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#96 An orchestra plays outside a Phoenix grocery store on Saturday afternoon in May 1940.

An orchestra plays outside a Phoenix grocery store on Saturday afternoon in May 1940.

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#97 An orchestra plays outside a Phoenix grocery store on Saturday afternoon in May 1940.

An orchestra plays outside a Phoenix grocery store on Saturday afternoon in May 1940.

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#98 A tourist court in Phoenix as pictured in April 1940.

A tourist court in Phoenix as pictured in April 1940.

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#99 A tourist court in Phoenix as pictured in April 1940.

A tourist court in Phoenix as pictured in April 1940.

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#100 A sign hangs in the Rural Rehabilitation Office of the Farm Security Administration in Phoenix in April 1940.

A sign hangs in the Rural Rehabilitation Office of the Farm Security Administration in Phoenix in April 1940.

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#101 Drought refugees in Phoenix drifting around and looking for work in cotton in August 1936.

Drought refugees in Phoenix drifting around and looking for work in cotton in August 1936.

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#102 Fields about 70 miles from Phoenix in the process of being irrigated in May 1937.

Fields about 70 miles from Phoenix in the process of being irrigated in May 1937.

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#103 Trailer space and tourist cabins for rent in the tourist section of Phoenix, which was becoming a popular winter resort, as seen in April 1940.

Trailer space and tourist cabins for rent in the tourist section of Phoenix, which was becoming a popular winter resort, as seen in April 1940.

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#104 View of a meatpacking plant in Phoenix from April 1940.

View of a meatpacking plant in Phoenix from April 1940.

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#105 Adobe was used for everything, including the first schoolhouse in Phoenix

Adobe was used for everything, including the first schoolhouse in Phoenix

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#106 Adobe bricks were made with local mud in large quantities, and air-dried.

Adobe bricks were made with local mud in large quantities, and air-dried.

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#107 Even as the city grew, old adobe structures survived amid the newer, wood and brick buildings.

Even as the city grew, old adobe structures survived amid the newer, wood and brick buildings.

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#108 Opening day at the Arizona Biltmore on Feb 23, 1929.

Opening day at the Arizona Biltmore on Feb 23, 1929.

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#109 A.D. Lemon’s law office, and in the background a restaurant and bakery, with shade-providing awning.

A.D. Lemon's law office, and in the background a restaurant and bakery, with shade-providing awning.

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#110 By 1900, Phoenix saw itself as a thriving metropolis of 5,500, with 28 saloons, 18 gambling houses and its first automobiles.

By 1900, Phoenix saw itself as a thriving metropolis of 5,500, with 28 saloons, 18 gambling houses and its first automobiles.

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#111 The building of the Arizona Canal, the northernmost of the Valley’s major canals, began in 1895. Here it shown is being scraped and maintained in 1905.

The building of the Arizona Canal, the northernmost of the Valley's major canals, began in 1895. Here it shown is being scraped and maintained in 1905.

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#112 The old Crosscut Canal runs through the site of Pueblo Grande Museum.

The old Crosscut Canal runs through the site of Pueblo Grande Museum.

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#113 Before the new Roosevelt Dam was completed, the Granite Reef Diversion Dam opened in 1908, where the headgates for most Valley canals now exist.

Before the new Roosevelt Dam was completed, the Granite Reef Diversion Dam opened in 1908, where the headgates for most Valley canals now exist.

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#114 The Roosevelt Dam opened in 1911, with President Theodore Roosevelt presiding at the dedication.

The Roosevelt Dam opened in 1911, with President Theodore Roosevelt presiding at the dedication.

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#115 Washington Street, with Moses Sherman’s trolleys, in 1907, as Phoenix begins to feel its oats as a progressive city in the Southwest.

Washington Street, with Moses Sherman's trolleys, in 1907, as Phoenix begins to feel its oats as a progressive city in the Southwest.

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#116 Buggy showroom in Pratt-Gilbert Co. hardware store in downtown Phoenix, early 1900s.

Buggy showroom in Pratt-Gilbert Co. hardware store in downtown Phoenix, early 1900s.

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#117 Interior of Donofrio’s confectionary and restaurant is shown on Washington Street in downtown Phoenix.

Interior of Donofrio's confectionary and restaurant is shown on Washington Street in downtown Phoenix.

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#118 This 1924 photo shows a grocery store on Chicago Avenue (now 44th Street) and Thomas Road.

This 1924 photo shows a grocery store on Chicago Avenue (now 44th Street) and Thomas Road.

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#119 H.H. Shoup Lumber, 600 E. Washington St. in Phoenix, 1925.

H.H. Shoup Lumber, 600 E. Washington St. in Phoenix, 1925.

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#120 S.W. Miller general store east of 16th Street and the Arizona Canal, about where the Pointe Resort is today, 1928.

S.W. Miller general store east of 16th Street and the Arizona Canal, about where the Pointe Resort is today, 1928.

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#121 That “startling woman” Mae West appears in front of the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Phoenix to promote her new movie in 1933.

That "startling woman" Mae West appears in front of the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Phoenix to promote her new movie in 1933.

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#122 Clover Court motel, 911 S. 17th Ave. in Phoenix, in 1939. It was owned by Al and Kitty Mortenson.

Clover Court motel, 911 S. 17th Ave. in Phoenix, in 1939. It was owned by Al and Kitty Mortenson.

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#123 Arizona Citrus Growers field box dump station in the 1930s near downtown Phoenix.

Arizona Citrus Growers field box dump station in the 1930s near downtown Phoenix.

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#124 Valley Machine Works, still in existence at 701 W. Jackson, St. in Phoenix, was founded in 1909 by C.F. Johnsen. It is the oldest machine shop in Phoenix, 1940

Valley Machine Works, still in existence at 701 W. Jackson, St. in Phoenix, was founded in 1909 by C.F. Johnsen. It is the oldest machine shop in Phoenix, 1940

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#125 The Pix movie theater was built at 331 E. Dunlap Avenue in Sunnyslope in 1947. It was owned by J.C. McCormack of the McCormack-Nace Theaters.

The Pix movie theater was built at 331 E. Dunlap Avenue in Sunnyslope in 1947. It was owned by J.C. McCormack of the McCormack-Nace Theaters.

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#127 View of Polk Street looking East toward First Street. A dance hall that burned in the early 1920s is visible in the background.

View of Polk Street looking East toward First Street. A dance hall that burned in the early 1920s is visible in the background.

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#128 1940 aerial shot of downtown Phoenix looking northeast.

1940 aerial shot of downtown Phoenix looking northeast.

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Written by Aung Budhh

Husband + Father + librarian + Poet + Traveler + Proud Buddhist. I love you with the breath, the smiles and the tears of all my life.

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