Phoenix is incorporated with a population of…

Phoenix is incorporated with a population of approximately twenty-five hundred, and on May 3, 1881, Phoenix holds its first city election, in which Judge John T. Alsap defeats James D. Monihon, 127 to 107, to become the city's first mayor.

The history of Phoenix as a city begins with Jack Swilling, a Confederate veteran of the American Civil War, who had come west to seek wealth in the 1850s, and worked primarily in Wickenburg.

On an outing in 1867, he had stopped to rest at the foot of the White Tank Mountains.

Swilling had observed the abandoned river valley and considered its potential for farming, much like that already cultivated by the military further east, near Fort McDowell.

The terrain and climate are optimal; only a regular source of water is necessary.

The existence of the old Hohokam ruins, showing clear paths for canals, had made Swilling imagine new possibilities.

Swilling had had a series of canals built, which followed those of the ancient Native American system.

A small community had formed that same year about 4 miles (6 km) east of the present city.

It was first called Pumpkinville, due to the large pumpkins that flourished in fields along the canals.

Later it was called Swilling's Mill in his honor, though later renamed to Helling Mill, Mill City, and finally, East Phoenix.

Swilling, as a former Confederate soldier, had wanted to name the city "Stonewall", after General Stonewall Jackson.

Others suggested the name of "Salina".

However, neither name was supported by the community.

Finally, Lord Darrell Duppa had suggested the name "Phoenix", as it describes a city born from the ruins of a former civilization.

The Board of Supervisors in Yavapai County, which at the time encompassed Phoenix, had officially recognized the new town on May 4, 1865, and formed an election precinct.

The first post office was established on June 15, 1868, with Jack Swilling serving as the postmaster.

With the number of residents growing (the 1870 U.S. census reported about a total Salt River Valley population of 240), a town site needed to be selected.

On October 20, 1870, the residents held a meeting to decide where to locate it.

A 320 acres (1.3 km2) plot of land was purchased in what is now the downtown business section.

On February 12, 1871, the territorial legislature created Maricopa County, the sixth one formed, by dividing Yavapai County.

The first election for county office was held in 1871, when Tom Barnum was elected the first sheriff.

Barnum ran unopposed as the other two candidates, John A. Chenowth and Jim Favorite, had a shootout that ended in Favorite's death and Chenowth withdrawing from the race.

Several lots of land were sold in 1870 at an average price of $48.

The first church opened in 1871, as did the first store.

Public school had its first class on September 5, 1872, in the courtroom of the county building.

By October 1873, a small school was completed on Center Street (now Central Avenue).

Land entry was recorded by the Florence Land Office on November 19, 1873, and a declaratory statement filed in the Prescott Land Office on February 15, 1872.

President Ulysses S. Grant issued a land patent for the present site of Phoenix on April 10, 1874.

The total value of the Phoenix Townsite was $550, with downtown lots selling for between $7 and $11 each.

A short time later, a telegraph office, 16 saloons, four dance halls and two banks were opened.

By 1881, Phoenix has outgrown its original townsite-commissioner form of government.

The 11th Territorial Legislature passes "The Phoenix Charter Bill", incorporating Phoenix and providing for a mayor-council government.

The bill is signed by Governor John C. Fremont on February 25, 1881.