Pima County, Arizona

Pima County History, Geography, Demographics, Cities and Towns, and Education

Named: Pima is named after the Pima Native American people, called in their own language Akimel O'odam (river people).

State & County QuickFacts: Census Bureau Quick Facts

History

Pima County, Arizona

This county is surrounded on the north by the Gila River; on the east by New Mexico; on the south by Sonora and on the west by Yuma County. It is the oldest occupied county in the Territory, and contains the most population. The western end of the county, to a line drawn north and south from the Gila river to the Sonora line, and passing a few miles west of Tucson, is uninhabited after leaving the Gila river, except by the Papago Indians, whose habitation will hereafter be described. This belt of country is composed of plains, covered with grass part of the year, and considerable portions of it with mesquite wood, and broken or detached chains of mountains. Wherever water can be found, grazing is excellent, and experience in sinking wells demonstrates that by this means water may be procured almost anywhere in Arizona-but without thus increasing the supply of water, much of this section must remain valueless. The south bank of the valley of the Gila extends the whole length of the county, and, as before described, has superior agricultural advantages.

At Gila Bend, one hundred and fifty miles from the mouth of the river, the valley for a distance of twenty-five miles is from five to ten miles in width, and the soil is of the richest nature. A company is now engaged constructing a very large ditch for irrigating purposes, and offer shares for sale at the cost of building. Those who are not able to pay cash are furnished provisions and allowed to work for interests. There are many thousand acres of unoccupied land already surveyed, and subject to pre-eruption and entry at $1.25 per acre. There is a large volume of water remaining in the river, more than can be used through the ditch under construction. This section, in addition to being well adapted to raising vegetables and all the cereals, is undoubtedly, by soil and climate, favorable to growing oranges, lemons, figs and grapes.
 

Neighboring Counties:

• North: Maricopa County; Pinal County
• Northeast: Graham County
• East: Cochise County
• Southeast: Santa Cruz County
• South: Sonora
• Northwest: Yuma County

Cities:

County Resources:

Enter County Resources and Information Here
 

Pima County, Arizona