Buckeye, AZ, has seen incredible growth in recent years, but like many modern cities, it comes from humble beginnings as a small agricultural settlement in the late 19th century. Take a closer look at the history of Buckeye, AZ, and discover how visionary settlers transformed rugged desert land into a thriving hub for commerce, community, and culture.

Founding and Early Development

The city’s founding can be traced back to Thomas Newt Clanton, a farmer from Creston, Iowa, who reportedly suffered from unspecified health issues. Hoping Arizona’s arid desert climate would alleviate some of his condition, he led a small group of fellow settlers to the region in 1877.

Drawn by the promise of fertile land near the Gila River, Clanton’s party established the first Anglo settlement in what would become Buckeye. As outlined by the City of Buckeye, when the newcomers arrived, they found a strategic location for farming and ranching.

By 1884, efforts to harness the region’s water supply took shape through the construction of the Buckeye Canal, an undertaking led by Malin Monroe Jackson along with other founders. Jackson, a native of Ohio, the Buckeye State, aptly named the canal after his homeland. While the settlement itself was initially called “Sidney,” the Buckeye Canal’s integral role in the town’s rapid growth earned it a name change in 1910 when local leaders formally adopted “Buckeye.”

Incorporation and Growth

By 1888, the steady flow of new settlers prompted the establishment of a post office with the next few decades seeing incremental growth. It wasn’t until 1929 that Buckeye was formally incorporated into a town, covering just 440 acres. Although the footprint was small at the time, its economic impact was already measurable. The town’s mayor at the time, Hugh M. Watson, was also the founder of the Buckeye Valley Bank, and under his leadership, the town quickly established itself as a center for commerce.

Transportation developments were also instrumental in fueling the expansion, with several milestones quickly following. In 1910, the Arizona Eastern Railroad arrived along with automobiles soon after in 1911. 1912 saw a new steam rail line to Phoenix and a dedicated state highway in 1915. Gradually, the business district shifted closer to the railroad station, creating easier access to goods and services.

Cultural Highlights & Historic Properties

Of course, life in early Buckeye was not all business. Established in 1935, Hellzapoppin’ Days was one of the earliest large-scale events for the burgeoning town, featuring parades, rodeos, and celebrity appearances like singing cowboy Gene Autry. Today, this celebration of Western tradition is known as Buckeye Days, which takes place every January.

Those seeking further connection to Buckeye, AZ history can visit a number of historic sites throughout the city.

• Liberty Cemetery – established in 1885 and the resting place of early pioneers like Thomas Clanton, located on South 207th Avenue
• The Field Ranch (Nardini Manor) – built in 1908 by cattle rancher and farmer Ralph W. Fields, located at 5601 South Jackrabbit Trail
• Liberty School – built in 1910, the building is still in use by the Liberty School District, located on the corner of Highway 85 and Liberty Road
• The Ware Building – built in 1910 and the original site of the Buckeye Valley Bank, located at 104 South 4th Street.

Modern Development in Buckeye

Since the 19th century, Buckeye, AZ, has continued to expand, reflecting the same pioneering spirit that once drove its early canal projects. Today, Teravalis represents a new chapter in Buckeye’s evolution—a master planned community that aims to build on the city’s tradition of strategic progress and a connection to its natural surroundings.

Whether you’re planning on visiting historic Buckeye or possibly seeking to follow in the founder’s footsteps and be part of the next chapter, you’ll find that the echoes of their determination endure as the city continues to flourish, paving the way for future generations.

About Teravalis™

Teravalis is primed to be a 37,000-acre premier master planned community located in the West Valley of the Phoenix metropolitan area, in Buckeye, Arizona. Translating to “land of the valley,” Teravalis is positioned between the White Tank and Belmont Mountain ranges and is committed to embracing the natural High Sonoran Desert beauty. Utilizing innovative technology and sustainable planning, the community will feature unparalleled amenities and wide-open spaces to explore and discover.

Teravalis is a community of Howard Hughes®, known for its mission to curate vibrant communities that elevate the everyday, creating meaningful moments in great places where people can live their best lives – and thrive for generations to come.