The Arizona Canal is a major canal in central Maricopa County that led to the founding of several communities, now among the wealthier neighborhoods of suburban Phoenix, in the late 1880's. Flood irrigation of residential yards is still common in these neighborhoods, using a system of lateral waterways connected via gates to the canal itself. Like most Valley canals, its banks are popular with joggers and bicyclists.

The canal, nearly 50 miles long, is the northernmost canal in the Salt River Project's 131-mile water distribution system. map (http://www.srpnet.com/water/canals/graphics/CanalMap.gif) Beginning at Granite Reef dam, northeast of Mesa, it flows east across the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, downtown Scottsdale, Phoenix's Arcadia and Sunnyslope neighborhoods, Glendale, and Peoria before ending near New River.

History

William J. Murphy was hired in 1883 to spearhead its construction, which was completed in May 1885. He then founded Glendale; its downtown Murphy Park is named for him. [1] (http://www.ci.glendale.az.us/About/TheEarlyDays.cfm) Nearby Peoria was also founded within the decade.

A former Civil War chaplain, Major Winfield Scott, purchased 640 acres on the canal's south side in 1888, establishing what is now Scottsdale. Murphy later built the Ingleside Club hotel in what is now Arcadia, laying the foundation for the area's vital tourism economy. The Phoenician, Biltmore, Ritz_Carlton, Royal Palms, two Pointe Hiltons and a Marriott were all built close to the canal between 1929 and 1988.

Five miles were added to the canal's western end in 1894, completing its 47-mile length. [2] (http://www.srpnet.com/about/history/facts.aspx#canal)

A 750-kilowatt restored hydroelectric plant and art display opened in June 2003 in Arcadia, at a natural 20-foot drop called Arizona Falls. Scottsdale's Waterfront project plans to revitalize an area several blocks to the east, on the canal's north side.