Step Into the Past Downtown on the Phoenix History Walk

Is it too late to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary? Absolutely not! 

As autumn temperatures cool in Downtown Phoenix, it’s the perfect time to commemorate our country’s heritage with a leisurely stroll. Through a temporary exhibit, the City of Phoenix is highlighting its place in American history, what makes Phoenix special, and where the city is headed.

“America 250: Downtown Phoenix History Walk” is a free, self-guided experience that begins at the northwest corner of First Avenue and Washington Street, outside Phoenix City Hall. The 48 large sidewalk decals are arranged chronologically, highlighting the people, places, and events that helped shape Phoenix and, in some cases, the nation. 

“As the City of Phoenix explored ways to mark the 250th Anniversary of America's founding, the Public Works Department, which includes the Facilities Management Division, began brainstorming ways to incorporate pieces of history into the City Hall campus,” Spencer Blake, senior public information officer, says. “Because there is so much space on the campus and it's in a high-traffic area for pedestrians, we utilized the real estate the city already has to give people a taste of the area's history.” 

Blake adds that the ground decals were chosen because they offer an interactive yet non-intrusive way for the public to read and learn as much or as little as they want while walking through the area. 

The city selected the 48 points after compiling an initial list of more than 100 options. “That number is not surprising, since we're talking about meaningful events since Day 1 of Phoenix,” says Steve Schumacher, the Mayor’s Office Official Historian. “From my perspective, I tried to pick events, people, and sites that affected the most people and continue to do so.”

Schumacher adds that another criterion was what impacted Phoenix's culture. “Roosevelt Dam is one example; S'edav Va'aki is another; we are still celebrating indigenous people 500 years later.” 

The timeline spans from 9,000 BC, when Paleo-Indians arrived in the Southwest, to 1894, when the city’s speed limit was raised to 6 miles per hour; to 1947, when Major League Baseball Spring Training began in Arizona; and to 2019, when Mayor Kate Gallego, the youngest Phoenix Mayor, was elected. 

But wait, there’s more! 

Inside Phoenix City Hall is the 12 Points of Pride walk. “These are similar to the larger decals but smaller, showcasing 12 of the most visually striking, well-known, or beloved locations that Phoenicians and visitors alike enjoy,” Blake says. “These decals feature full-color images. Each one also includes a QR code that takes visitors to a 360° video of the location, allowing them to use their phones to turn in all directions and get an immersive feel for each location without leaving City Hall.” Featured Points of Pride include Camelback Mountain, Historic Heritage Square, Tovrea Castle, and Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza. 

Schumacher feels that immersion, like these walks, is an important part of understanding history. "Hearing a history story gives people some information about our history. Pictures give a bit more information about what the location looks like. Walking along the path allows the visitor to participate in the learning process through involvement,” he says. 

Better get out and enjoy the history walk soon, since the exhibit is temporary and will be removed later this year. 

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Douglas C. Towne is the editor of Arizona Contractor & Community magazine, www.arizcc.com.