Mesa's story is one of mysterious Indians, Spanish expeditions, early American explorers, Mormon migrations, a diverse community, and continual growth. Individuals and families made important contributions to the development of Mesa.
The history of Mesa dates back two thousand years to the Hohokam Indians. The Hohokam, whose name means the Departed Ones, built the original canal system that spread over 125 miles and is still used today. Missionaries and explorers, including Coronado, Father Kino, and Marcos de Niza, came to Arizona (though not present day Mesa) during the 1500's and 1600's. A less known explorer was Esteban (also called Estevan or Estevanico), who searched for the city of gold. Apache Indians, east of our area, drove the Spanish away in the 1700's. U.S. Army troops fought the Apaches in the late 1800's, opening the way for white settlement. Kit Carson and other explorers came through the Salt River Valley during the early part of the 19th century.