Unearthing Scottsdale's Secrets!

Scottsdale is famous for its world-class golf courses and luxury spas, but there is a much deeper story behind the "West’s Most Western Town." Beyond the high-end shopping and fine dining, this desert city holds some fascinating secrets that even long-time locals might not know. Here are five surprising facts that give Scottsdale its unique character.

1. It was almost called Orangedale

Before the city became the Scottsdale we know today, its founder, Winfield Scott, had a different vision. In the late 1800s, the area was a lush farming community filled with citrus groves. Scott originally wanted to name the town "Orangedale" because the climate was so perfect for growing oranges and lemons. However, a local newspaper mistakenly referred to the settlement as "Scottsdale," and the name stuck before the founder could officially change it.

2. A historic bank vault now holds liquor

If you walk into the Rusty Spur Saloon in Old Town, you are stepping into a piece of financial history. The building was originally the Farmer’s Bank of Scottsdale, the very first bank in the city. While the tellers are long gone, the original bank vault is still there. Instead of protecting cash and gold, the heavy steel door now guards the saloon’s supply of high-end liquor.

3. Chili is the official city food

Most cities have an official bird or flower, but Scottsdale takes its food very seriously. In 1994, the mayor officially proclaimed chili as the city's municipal food. Whether it is served at a local diner or a high-end Southwestern restaurant, chili is a staple of the local culture. This fun designation celebrates the city's rugged, cowboy roots and its love for a hearty, spicy meal.

4. Home to the world’s longest-running ArtWalk

Scottsdale has a reputation for being an art lover’s paradise, and it has the history to prove it. The Scottsdale ArtWalk has been taking place every Thursday evening for over 50 years. It is recognized as the longest-running event of its kind in the United States. Every week, the galleries in the Arts District open their doors to the public, offering a casual way to experience world-class creativity without the pressure of a formal gallery opening.

5. The canal system is 1,400 years old

The beautiful Scottsdale Waterfront might look modern, but the water flowing through it follows a path carved out centuries ago. The Hohokam people built an incredibly complex system of irrigation canals around 600 CE to sustain life in the desert. When modern engineers began building the Arizona Canal in the 1880s, they realized the ancient paths were already perfectly designed for water flow. Today’s canal system literally sits on top of ancient Native American engineering.

Scottsdale is a place where ancient history meets modern luxury. From its roots as a citrus-growing hub to its status as a premier arts destination, there is always a layer of history waiting to be discovered beneath the surface. The next time you visit Old Town or hike the McDowell Mountains, remember that you are walking through a city with a very storied past.