What Arizona's Major Cities Looked Like In The 1940s May Shock You
×
Monica Spencer
Author
Arizona’s population growth exploded in the 1950s and led to some major changes in how its cities looked. If you’ve ever wondered what Phoenix, Tucson, and some of our other larger cities looked like before the population boom, you’ll definitely want to check out these photos:
Want to know what Phoenix looked like in 1940? This is a good start.
One of the few color photos I came across, this shows the Greyhound Bus Station in central Phoenix when it was located at 1st Street and Van Buren.
Advertisement
These people are having a good time in a local bar.
Advertisement
I'm sure many older readers may remember a time when Phoenix was covered in orange groves, just like this.
Phoenix definitely doesn't look like this anymore. Anyone recognize the street?
The photographer's notes say this is in Phoenix but I honestly don't recognize it!
Anyone who has driven through the historic districts in Phoenix should recognize this street because it looks similar today!
This last one offers a glimpse of what the tourism industry looked like in 1942.
Advertisement
Here's what the annual La Fiesta de los Vaqueros looked like in 1946.
And here's the rodeo in action!
Related Stories
The History Behind This Arizona Street Name Is As Morbid As It Sounds
These 10 Hidden Gems In Arizona Hold Historic Keys To The Past
This Breathtaking Mission In Arizona Is Loaded With History
This grandmother is walking down the street with her grandchild.
Here's a look at the San Xavier del Bac Mission in April 1940.
And here's a view looking out from the mission. How different does it look today?
Advertisement
This short little series shows what it looked like to ride the train into Flagstaff with a short layover. This one shows the train entering town.
This street scene just off the railroad shows how important the shop locations were for both the railroad and Route 66.
And this one shows the train headed out of town towards Williams.
For a long time, logging was a central industry to Flagstaff's economy. Here's a logging mill in action in 1947.
Here's a look at Yuma in 1942. There's nothing quite like sitting in an air-cooled cafe.
Advertisement
Here's a little wedding chapel that apparently was popular for Californians to travel to since there was no waiting period when completing a marriage license. Otherwise, the couple would have to wait three days before their wedding day which takes the fun out of elopement.
So, what did you think? Do you think Arizona’s growth has been good since these photos were taken more than 70 years ago?
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.