Tempe is a thriving city with plenty of activities for residents and visitors alike. It’ growing economy, educational opportunities and convenient location has attracted people from around the world. Combined with a lively and energetic atmosphere, welcoming locals and diverse culture, you’ll fall head over heels for Tempe’s quirky but wonderful charms. Before you fly to this unique little town, know some facts, from geography and history to government and economy to just plain old trifles.
Image by Schwnj at English Wikipedia [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons
- Tempe is a city in Maricopa County, United States.
- It is located in metropolitan Phoenix- East Valley region.
- The city is bordered by Guadalupe and Phoenix on the west, Mesa on the east, Chandler on the south, and Scottsdale on the north.
- It is about 10 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
- It is the eighth largest city in the state of Arizona, United States.
- It is easily accessible from various points in the country via major interstate highways- Interstate 60, I-10, Loop 101 and Loop 202.
- The ethnic composition of Tempe includes White-77.51%, Black or African American- 3.66%, Native American-2.01%, Asian-4.75%, Pacific Islander-0.29%, from other races- 8.49%, two or more races-3.30%.
- The area was first settled by the Hohokam people who were the farmers and they developed canals in the area to support agriculture.
- In 1870, Charles Trumbull Hayden came and began a new settlement called as the Hayden’s Ferry on the banks of the Salt River.
- During the Arizona territorial times, Tempe was referred as Hayden’s Ferry.
- In 1872, Hispanic families came from northern Mexico and southern Arizona and founded a new settlement called as “San Pablo”.
- In 879, the San Pablo and Hayden’s Ferry merged to form of what is now known as “Tempe”.
- Tempe is named after the Vale of Tempe, Greece.
- The name Tempe was given by Pioneer Darrell Duppa, who also helped in establishing Phoenix.
- In 1887, the Phoenix and Maricopa railroad was built, thus connecting Tempe to the other parts of the state.
- In 1894, Tempe was incorporated as a city.
- In 1971, Tempe celebrated centennial.
- One Fortune 500 company has its headquarters in Tempe- Insight Enterprises.
- Tempe’s economy is modern and strong, and is based on technology, commerce, sustainability and tourism.
- The Arizona State University calls Tempe its home.
