In 1884, the Arizona Falls was created when the canal excavators ran into a massive, impregnable slab of granite near what is now known as 56th Street and Indian School Road.PHOTO: ARIZONA FALLS C. 1890. REPRINTED FROM ARCADIA NEWS, NOV. 2011.
Click here to see today's view of the Arizona Falls
In the late 1800s, Phoenicians enjoyed the wonders of Arizona Falls, gathering there to picnic, socialize, and dance near the cool water. Located on the Arizona Canal between 56th and 58th Streets, Arizona Falls, built in 1902, was the first hydroelectric plant in Phoenix. Here the Arizona Canal drops 20 feet, and it was this falling water that was harnessed to produce power. The hydroelectric plant was one of four such plants located on canals in the valley. (SRP photograph)
Circa late 1920's
Arcadia Plaza mid 1960's