Phoenix’s Meteoric Rise During the 1950s
During the 1950s, Phoenix underwent a transformative expansion, evolving from a small farming town into a burgeoning urban center. Starting the decade with a modest population of 106,000 and an area of 17.1 square miles, Phoenix was relatively unknown on the national stage. By the decade’s end, however, it had exploded in both size and population, covering 187.6 square miles and housing 439,000 residents, marking it as one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.
Social Progress and Civic Milestones
This period in Phoenix’s history was also marked by significant social and civic milestones that reflected broader national shifts, particularly in civil rights and governance. The city saw its first Hispanic councilman, Adam Diaz, take office in 1952, enhancing the diversity of its political landscape. Additionally, pivotal legal strides were made, such as the desegregation of Phoenix schools, a court decision that preceded the national movement against educational segregation and highlighted the city’s evolving social policies.
Cultural and Safety Advances
The 1950s also witnessed critical cultural developments and responses to tragedy that would shape Phoenix’s future. The tragic mid-air collision over the Grand Canyon in 1956, which resulted in the highest number of fatalities from a commercial airline crash at that time, spurred national changes in air traffic control. Meanwhile, Phoenix’s cultural scene was significantly enriched by the opening of the Phoenix Art Museum in 1959, a project that had been in the works since the early 20th century and was realized through decades of community effort and planning.
These insights highlight how Phoenix not only grew in size during the 1950s but also matured into a dynamic city with a rich cultural heritage and a proactive stance on civil rights and safety regulations.