Peoria, Arizona is a popular vacation destination for seniors. Senior Travel Genie offers resources for hotels, restaurants and more in Peoria.

Peoria, AZ History

The City of Peoria was established in the 1880’s when the contractor William J. Murphy envisioned fertile farm lands fed by water from the Salt River. This became reality with the completion of the Arizona Canal in 1885. Once this canal was completed, Murphy went East to interest people in settling in this new community. Mr. Murphy was successful in catching people’s attention. More than 5,000 acres of land in the new district was purchased by citizens from Peoria, Illinois. Four families from Peoria, Illinois were among the first to move to Arizona to occupy and work their land. As a result, the new town was named Peoria to commemorate their hometown.

Residences in the new community were built and a school and Post Office were established by 1889. More people followed the original families and Peoria, AZ continued to grow as a farming community. The farmlands were fertile and the people made a good living, despite having to battle swarms of red ants and the occasional rattlesnake. Peoria, AZ incorporated in 1954 with boundaries covering one square mile of land.

Peoria, Arizona – Scenic Community for Senior Vacations

Currently, the city covers 162 square miles and is a neighbor to Phoenix. Because of its great location and scenery, Peoria, Arizona is a popular vacation destination. Senior Travel Genie provides resources for seniors traveling to Peoria.