Apache
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| Apache Junction In the 1880s two important events happened. The Apache chief Geronimo surrendered to the U.S. Army and gold was discovered. The boom town Goldfield was established. Within five years however, the picture had changed – the gold was played out and the town was deserted. Arizona’s first governor, George P. Hunt, planned a road that would run between Phoenix and Globe. Early in the 1900s the Mesa-Roosevelt Road (later renamed the Apache Trail) was constructed, followed by a large dam on the Salt River. With the dam in place, water and power were accessible and growth began in earnest in the valley below. George Cleveland Curtiss, a traveling salesman from Utah, arrived in 1922 and set up a tent and started selling water and sandwiches to people traveling the dusty roads. Curtiss, an early entrepreneur, realized that it was his good fortune to be so well positioned and he filed a homestead claim and poured the foundation for a building that would become the Apache Junction Inn. He envisioned a bright future for himself. When tourists began to winter in the area because of the wonderful dry air, mild temperatures and beautiful scenery, his dreams began to come true. He sold his thriving business in 1945 to Jack Anderson, whom most consider to be the founding father of Apache Junction. By far and away however, most well known is the legend of Jacob Waltz and the Lost Dutchman Goldmine. Even today, many people still believe there is a fortune in gold just waiting to be found somewhere in the Superstition Mountains. In 1959 construction was begun on a movie set to promote the area to the film industry. With its breathtaking backdrop of the Superstition Mountains, Apacheland Movie Ranch became a popular location for western movies and the stars who enjoyed filming there. Today, people still walk the boardwalk, ride the stagecoach, and eat in the restaurant/saloon where celebrities such as Jimmy Stewart, Ronald Reagan and Elvis were once found. Apache Junction became an incorporated city in November 1978. Since then it has grown from a small town with a fascinating history to a city with an exciting plan for its future. Gold Canyon Gold Canyon, a sister community, is just six miles east of Apache Junction. This unique area, nestled into the base of the Superstition Mountains, seems to have a quiet dignity and reserve not found in other parts of the Valley. In the early 1900s the land was part of the Barkley Cattle Ranch. In the mid-1940s, Lucille and Julian King built Kings Ranch Resort, which is still in operation. By the late-1970s Gold Canyon Golf Resort was under construction, and one housing development was in place. The economy of the 1980s made large parcels of land affordable to developers. Perhaps the biggest factor contributing to the growth of Gold Canyon was the completion of the Superstition Freeway in the early 1990s. The small community that was once miles from nowhere is now the heart of somewhere very special. What is the Population of Apache Junction? In 2000 the population of the city was 31,814, which was a 76 percent increase since the 1990 census. At the current city growth rate, the mid-year 2003 population is estimated to be over 35,000. Since 1995 Apache Junction has been experiencing moderate residential growth, with over 8,000 new homes constructed. The purchasers of these homes are primarily young, dual-income families with children. How Many Winter Residents Come to Apache Junction Each Year? While the exact number of winter residents changes month-to-month, it is estimated that the population of the city from mid-October until mid-April increases to over 70,000 residents. This represents an increase of approximately 35,000 residents who consider Apache Junction their winter home. Where Do the Winter Residents Come From and Where Do They Live? Most winter residents come from western Canada, the Pacific Northwest, and the states of the Great Plains. The majority of the winter resident population resides in one of the more than 100 mobile home and recreational vehicle parks located throughout the city. The typical winter resident has been returning to Apache Junction each winter for over eight years, and resides in the community from mid-October through mid-April. What is the Population of the Apache Junction Primary Market Area? That depends upon what you consider the area, but generally the Apache Junction Primary Market Area extends from Mesa on the west, past Gold Canyon to the east, and consists of approximately 150 square miles. This area has a year-round population of over 140,000 residents. What is the Population of Gold Canyon? Gold Canyon, although part of the city’s market area, is in unincorporated Pinal County. The area does not have defined geographic boundaries, but generally includes the residential areas of Superstition Mountain, Mountain Brook Village, Gold Canyon, Peralta Road and Queen Valley. The population of this area is increasing rapidly, but fluctuates significantly due to the large number of seasonal residents. The 2000 year-round population of this area was 6,849. Who are the Major Employers? The major employers within the city are the school district, city government, Wal-Mart, and Earnhardt Ford Auto Center. Apache Junction is primarily a community of small businesses, with 95 percent of the businesses employing 25 or fewer workers. |
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| The City of Apache
Junction is approximately 35 miles east of the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Located at the intersection of Highways 60 and 89, it is home to the
legendary Superstition Mountains and is the gateway to a wonderful outdoor
recreational area. This area seems to be almost magical in the history and
legends that surround it. It’s a place where you can still get away from it
all and enjoy the wild open spaces of the West afoot or on horseback. Activities such as boating, swimming and fishing are nearby, just 15 miles north at Canyon Lake. How about a romantic boat ride at twilight, watching the colors change on the cliffs in the soft light of evening? A little hometown excitement is what you want? Come to our Lost Dutchman Days! Each year for 36 years Apache Junction has celebrated the myth and mystery of the Dutchman and his lost gold mine. Located somewhere in the Superstition Mountains, folks have been trying to find the treasure for over 100 years. From a small local Burro Derby, Lost Dutchman Days has grown into a three-day, non-stop, fun-filled event that is anticipated by people all over the Valley. From the kickoff, Parade in the Round, to the presentation of rodeo prizes on the last day, thousands of people enjoy Lost Dutchman Days every year. Hiking and bicycling are very popular in Apache Junction, as the beautiful desert area provides a spectacular ever-changing backdrop for outdoor activities. The nearby desert lakes offer unexpected opportunities for boating fun and great fishing. In fact, two of the state’s trophy-sized largemouth bass, at just over 16 pounds each, were caught in Canyon Lake. Apache Junction brings to mind an earlier and kinder lifestyle when people knew their neighbors and counted them as friends. It’s a place where people still care about children, animals and each other. People in Apache Junction are quick to point with pride to their mountain. They’ll tell the stories of Jacob Waltz and the Lost Dutchman Mine and ask if you have driven the Apache Trail and conquered Fish Creek Hill. They’ll tell you where to get the best food, where the best fishing spots are, and almost anything you might want to know . . . except where the mine is located. As cities become larger and more populated, many people planning to relocate are seeking something intangible that says this is home. Perhaps, it’s the fact that more densely populated areas have lost a sense of connectedness to the land. Perhaps, it’s the feeling of isolation that comes although you are surrounded with people. Whatever the reason, Apache Junction is a place where those feelings are dispelled. Here, there’s tremendous expanse of blue sky over the Superstition Mountains, and coyotes yipping in the surrounding desert can still be heard on quiet nights. Who wouldn’t feel connected to a place like this? Apache Junction is a growing city with a historic past and an exciting plan for the future. Come see for yourself why we say it’s a great place to visit and a better place to live! This year we celebrate the 100th birthday of one of Arizona’s most scenic highways, the Apache Trail. This famous roadway is Arizona’s first Historic Highway and received that honor on February 25th, 1987. In fact, the Apache Trail has the distinction of being the only recognized Historic and Scenic Highway in Arizona. It is believed that the Apache Trail originated on the footpath used by the Anasazi Indians to travel from the Tonto Basin area to trade pottery and wares for food with the Hohokam Indians. At that time, it was named after its path from the Tonto Basin to the Salt River known as the Tonto or Yavapai Trail. In the late 1800s, farmers began settling in the area and often utilized the same canals dug by the Hohokams over 1,000 years earlier. Even with the canals in place, the irregular Salt River could not assure water would reach their crops year to year. The discouraged local farmers united and petitioned Congress for aid in construction of a dam to help regulate the flow of water. The Department of Reclamation approved the funding for a hydro-electric dam and the National Reclamation Act (the Hansbrough-Newlands Reclamation Act) was signed by President Theodore Roosevelt on June 17, 1902. Before the federal government would begin the development, it demanded that the farmers promise to repay the federal loans. This led to the Salt River Valley Water Users Association (SRWUA), formed on February 9, 1903. Given the responsibility for operating the project in 1917, SRWUA combined with the Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement & Power District to become the Salt River Project (SRP). John M. O’Rourke & Company of Galveston, Texas submitted the lowest of 22 bids on the enormous project of building the dam, coming in at a mere $1,147,000. The dam site would be at the juncture of the Salt River and Tonto Creek. Construction was scheduled to begin on September 6th, 1906. First though, a road needed to be developed to haul supplies and equipment from Mesa, which was over 50 miles away. The estimated cost for building the road was $500,000. In 1903 construction began on the needed roadway.When completed, this 62-mile roadway, now known as the Apache Trail, cost approximately $551,000. More than 1,500 Apache men and their families flocked to Roosevelt during the dam construction for employment. Approximately 200 were hired on. It was less than 17 years after the close of the Apache Wars when this group joined in the construction of the dam. The typical Apache work crew consisted of 12 to 14 men. The Apache crew bosses earned an average of $80 a month or $3.50 to $4 a day, but the common wage was $2.50 per day. The Apaches would work two or three months until they were tired, and then demand a four or five month vacation. So good friends and relatives would partner together, sharing the income and the job. When one man tired, his replacement would then step in. The Apaches were known as hard workers and excellent road builders. It took just over one year to build the Mesa-Roosevelt haul road. More than 1.5 million pounds of freight was hauled over the trail in its first month of operation. Huge freight wagons drawn by teams of mules and driven by the most experienced mule-skinners brought supplies in from Mesa, which generally took two to three days. At the top of Fishcreek Hill, the passengers were asked to disembark the coaches and wagons. The drivers would then fire off three shots to signal a wrangler waiting in the lodge below. Upon hearing the shots, the wrangler would go meet the wagon with two teams of fresh mules. Once the spent horses were unhooked, one mule team would be placed at the front of the wagon and one would be placed at the rear. They would then proceed down the 10 percent grade with the passengers walking behind them. The construction of the dam, the Apache Trail, and the existing canals cost $10,279,191, considerably more than the estimated $3,000,000. The final stone of the dam was laid on February 5th, 1911. On March 18, 1911 Theodore Roosevelt came to Arizonato dedicate the Tonto Dam. It was then renamed in his honor. On his way to the ceremony, he stopped the Franklin Motor Car he was riding in and visited Tortilla Flat. About 1,600 people gathered for the ceremony and watched as the President pushed a button releasing the reservoir water at 5:48 pm. A contingent of 30 Apache laborers almost got lost in the crowd. Roosevelt paused at their banner boasting “Apaches Helped Build Roosevelt Dam,” shook hands with several of them, expressed his thanks and presented them with awards. At 280 feet tall, it was the tallest masonry dam in the world. It was 284 feet wide, 1,125 feet across, and 210 feet long at its base. A 16-foot-wide roadway traversed the top of the dam. It is to the valley farmers’ credit to be able to say that by 1955 the original loan had been fully repaid, including interest. In 1986, a survey showed potential danger if there would be a severe earthquake or a heavy flood time. It was decided to correct this situation by increasing the height of Roosevelt Dam by 77 feet. You can no longer drive over the top of the dam, but can cross over a new bridge to go north, or turn right toward Globe. Tourism on the Apache Trail During the second year after completing the road, the tourists began to visit. Concord stages were used until 1910. A few horse-drawn passenger stages still operated as late as 1915. The first automobile to travel the newly developed trail between Mesa and Government Wells was the Knox automobile on August 25th, 1905. This vehicle boasted a 20 horse-powered engine and was produced in Springfield, Massachusetts. It could carry seven passengers, was painted red, and known as the Red Terror. In 1915, the Southern & Pacific Railroad started to promote the Mesa-Roosevelt Road as a side trip on its Sunset Route across the southern portion of the United States. It is believed that during this promotional period, an agent named W.W. Watson may have coined the name Apache Trail to help create excitement and interest in the tours. Hence, the start up of Apache Trail Tours and service from Phoenix to Globe was $10 per person, and private cars with driver guides were available upon request. Most tour vehicles were Cadillac or Packard sedans. Today, the Apache Trail is still an exciting road trip, but not nearly as uncomfortable as by stagecoach or the Red Terror. Being able to control water was the defining moment for the future of the Valley. Sources: Local historians, reference materials, ASU Archive Library, Apache Cultural Center, and museums throughout the state. (Tom Kollenborn, Larry Hendricks, H. Henry Sheffer and Sharyn Alger) Driving the Apache Trail Beginning in Apache Junction Arizona, this fascinating journey takes you through mountains, past Indian cliff dwellings, along the shores of three lakes, by old mining towns, and through some of the most spectacular scenery in the state. Originally built as a service road during construction of the Roosevelt Dam, the Apache Trail is now a designated State Historic Roadway. Road conditions are safe, but do not drive a motor home or pull a travel trailer on this road because of the steep grades and very tight switchbacks you encounter. In Apache Junction on State Route 88 northeast, look to the left to see Four Peaks, the site of many Army skirmishes with Apache Indians. On your right are the mighty Superstition Mountains, second only to the Grand Canyon as the most photographed landmark in Arizona. The first stop is Goldfield Ghost Town. One hundred years ago rich veins of gold drew prospectors hoping to find a big strike. In its heyday, when the lure of gold was the strongest, the population of Goldfield was in the thousands. Farther north on State Route 88 is Lost Dutchman State Park, established in 1967. Maps with marked hiking trains and fee camping sites are available at the office. You enter the surrounding Tonto National Forest on leaving the park. At almost three million acres it is one of our largest national forests. It’s boundaries are 60 miles east to west, 90 miles north to south, and include the Mogollian Rim where one of the largest stands of ponderosa pine in the United States can be found. As you crest the hill you get a glimpse of Canyon Lake. The surface area of 950 acres was created in 1925 after Mormon Flat Dam was built. Two miles farther is the town of Tortilla Flat, which has a population of six permanent residents. Seven miles from Tortilla Flat is Fish Creek Hill. Use extreme caution while driving this section. The roadway has a ten percent grade and is a test for man and machine. Apache Lake is in the center of the chain of lakes. It was created in 1927 after the completion of Horse Mesa Dam and is 17 miles long and very narrow. Fourteen miles from Apache Lake is Roosevelt Dam. The dam was an engineering triumph completed in 1911 and is the largest masonry structure in the world. The height was 284 feet, and the original base was 184 feet thick tapering to just 16 feet at the top. All the rocks used were quarried at the dam site. Reconstruction and a refacing in the mid-1990s changed its appearance to a modern facade. Roosevelt Lake is the largest in the chain of lakes – in fact it is the largest land-locked lake in the state. Four miles east of Roosevelt Dam, on Highway 88/188, is the entrance to Tonto National Monument. These cliffs overlooking the Tonto Basin provide shelter to masonry dwellings nearly 700 years old. The cliff dwellings were home to the Salado people. These agricultural people were named in the early 20th-century after the Rio Salado, or Salt River. Drive west on Highway 60 to the town of Miami. Four miles to the east is Globe, another mining town with a unique history. Just outside the city limits is the Besh-Ba-Gowah Archeological Park Ruins and Museum. Continuing on brings you to Superior, a town famous for silver mines. Stop at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Arizona’s oldest botanical garden. Founded in 1924 by William Boyce Thompson, the arboretum is both an Arizona state park and a National Historic District. Nine miles west of Superior is the boundary of the Tonto National Forest. Look to the north and see another famous landmark, Weaver’s Needle, an important piece in the puzzle of the Lost Dutchman Mine. Drive through Florence Junction and 16 miles later you’ve completed the Apache Trail Loop trip. Apache Junction is 35 miles directly east of Phoenix on Highway 60, the eastern-most community within the metropolitan area. It was founded in 1950 and incorporated in 1978. 2003 is Apache Junction’s silver anniversary. The incorporated area covers 36+ square miles. The city is 40 percent developed and 60 percent vacant land, with a total city planning area of 55 square miles. The city plans to dedicate 15 percent of the land to parks and other open spaces. The city uses a Mayor / City Council form of government, with the City Manager, George Hoffman, supervising the day-to-day operations. The Apache Junction Primary Market Area covers 150 square miles. We are in Pinal County, (520) 868-6000, and Florence is the county seat. Community Organizations Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce (480) 982-3141 Arizona Main Street City Community Development Corporation Arizona Focused Future Community Taxes Property taxes in Arizona are based on assessed valuation at the rate of ten percent of market value for residential properties, and 25 percent for commercial and industrial properties. Although the City of Apache Junction levies no property tax, the combined Pinal County, school, and fire district property tax rate in 2001 was $15.71 per $100 of assessed valuation. The combined state and county sales tax rate in Apache Junction is 6.6 percent. The City of Apache Junction levies an additional sales tax of 2.2 percent or 1.2 percent on single item purchases exceeding $2,000. Population Year Round Seasonal Total 2002 33,095 38,126 71,221 2010* 47,087 41,287 88,374 2020* 70,955 45,607 116,602 * projected The year-round city population increased 63 percent between 1990 and 2000. Median age 44.1 years Ethnicity Caucasian 91% Hispanic 7% Other 2% Educational attainment High school graduate 70.2% Some college 26.0% Bachelor degree 4.4% Graduate degree 2.9% 12/2002 Workforce 10,266 12/2002 Unemployment rate 5.2% Average Commute to Central Phoenix Rush hour 65 minutes Mid-day 45 minutes Education Apache Junction Unified School District Elementary 5 Middle 2 High 1 Charter 2 Students 5,660 Central Arizona College/Superstition Mountain Campus Mesa Community College (8 miles west) Arizona State University-East Campus (8 miles west) Largest Employers Apache Junction Unified School District City of Apache Junction Supermarkets (4) Earnhardt Auto Dealerships Wal-Mart Supercenter Households 1990 7,705 1,288 w/children 2000 13,775 2,010 w/children Average size 2.75 persons Housing Owner-occupied homes 1990 5,928 77% 2000 11,310 82% Median new home price, 2000 $77,546 New homes constructed, 1995 to 2000 5,000+ New homes as a percentage of total housing stock 30% The shift upward in home ownership (year-round rooftops) is making the community more attractive for commercial retail businesses. Median Household Income Between 1990 and 2000 the median household income in Apache Junction increased 21 percent; during the same period the state median income increased 13 percent. 1995 2000 Apache Junction $23,061 $33,170 Arizona $30,863 $40,558 Pinal County $25,400 $35,856 Drivers Licenses, License Plates County Complex, 575 N. Idaho Rd. (480) 982-4571 All residents need to be licensed in Arizona. To obtain an Arizona Drivers License you must bring your out-of-state license, one additional piece of ID, and pass the vision test. Your license is good until age 65, and the cost of your license is age-related and varies from $10 to $25. You are considered a resident if – You are in the state more than seven months of the year You have a job You have a child or children enrolled in school You own real property in the state Emission testing is not required in Pinal County. However, if you work, go to school, or regularly travel into Maricopa County you are required to pass an emission exam. To obtain license plates for your car, bring the title, inspection form and your drivers license. You will be given new plates right there. License tags are calculated according to vehicle value. Initial tag fees are based on 60 percent of the vehicle value, and the fees are reduced by 16.25 percent each year following. The tax rate is approximately $3.50 per $100 of valuation. Renewals are based on the month the vehicle was purchased or first registered in Arizona. Identification Card You can obtain an Arizona ID card at the Motor Vehicle Department. Bring your out-of state license and another form of ID. This is helpful for check cashing. If you are 65 or older there is no charge, and if you are younger than 65 there is a $12 fee. Health Care Clinics and private practitioners offer a complete range of medical, dental and veterinary services to residents of Apache Junction. Medical emergency services within the community include a 911 system, ambulance services, and emergency helicopter transport. A full service hospital is located approximately six miles west in east Mesa. In addition to our medical community, some of the finest physicians and hospitals in the southwest are located in nearby Phoenix and Scottsdale. Automobile Registration If you buy a car from an out-of-state dealer, you will need to register it here and pay taxes. The cost of the vehicle multiplied by five percent equals the tax due. If there is more than one owner on the title all of them must sign the original paperwork. There is a seat belt law in Pinal County and it is being enforced. Children under five years are required to ride in car seats. Arizona requires vehicle owners to carry liability insurance of at least $15,000/$30,000 for bodily injury or death, and $15,000 property damage for each accident. Proof of insurance must be carried in the vehicle at all times. Churches The Apache Junction and Gold Canyon communities are represented by almost 40 churches. From traditional services to those that are structured to accommodate today’s busy lifestyles, you’ll find a group available to meet your spiritual needs. Miscellaneous Facts Arizona does not change time for Daylight Savings Time. Arizona is a community property state. If you are moving from a state that does not have community property laws, please check with an attorney. There is a registration requirement to vote in Arizona. Ask at libraries, county recorders office, or the MVD for forms. Liquor sales are prohibited between 1 am and 6 am Monday through Saturday; and from 1 am to 10 am on Sunday. The legal age to drink is 21. It is against the law to consume alcohol in a public place or while driving a vehicle. The legal limit is 10 blood alcohol concentration. A dog license is required for dogs older than four months. Dogs entering the state to relocate must be relicensed within 30 days. Cats do not require a license. Arizona temperatures can be lethal for pets. DO NOT leave pets in a vehicle at any time. Always be sure your pet has adequate water and shade available. Utilities Southwest Gas (602) 861-1999 Salt River Project (602) 236-8888 Qwest for telephone (800) 244-1111 Telephone books are distributed by the Apache Junction Chamber |
