Old Town Scottsdale, located at the south end of the Scottsdale, is appropriately named. It's where settlement and development in Scottsdale first began long before Scottsdale became an official town and growth moved northwards. Here are 8 fun facts you may not have known about Old Town Scottsdale's history and development.
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1. Scottsdale was originally settled in the late 1880's and named "Orangedale"; the town's name was changed to Scottsdale in 1894.
2. In 1888, Winfield Scott purchased 640 acres where Old Town Scottsdale is now located for $3.50 ($92 in current dollars).
3. The olive trees on Second Street were planted in 1896 by town founder, Winfield Scott. The restaurant Los Olivos Mexican Patio is named after the historic trees.
4. The first business in Old Town was J.L. Davis' General Store, which opened in 1897. In 1904, Sarah Thomas purchased the store, making it the first female-owned business in town.
5. The "Little Red Schoolhouse" in Old Town was built in 1909 at a cost of $4,500 and has had 6 different uses including being a library and chamber of commerce. Today it's the home of the Scottsdale Historical Museum.
6. Scottsdale’s first Catholic church was built in 1933 by Mexican and Yaqui Indian families who settled in the area. Today, the Old Adobe Mission is still used as a spiritual center.
7. Scottsdale was officially incorporated as a town in 1951. At that time, the population was 2,000.
8. The Sugar Bowl is one of Old Town Scottsdale’s oldest attractions; it opened on Christmas Eve, 1958. Bil Keane, the author of "Family Circus" featured the restaurant in the comic strip several times.
Reach out to us if you would like to learn more about Old Town Scottsdale, or read about Trolley Ride tours, The Sugar Bowl, and regular Farmers Markets held in Old Town.
CONTACT US if you're interested in real estate in Old Town or anywhere in the Scottsdale area.
