It’s widely known that the original foundation for Arizona’s growth from territory status to statehood are the “5 C’s” of cattle, citrus, climate, copper, and cotton. All of these (except for copper which is found in other parts of the state) were significant contributors to the founding and development of Litchfield Park. While the town is currently best known as a premier winter resort destination it actually had a rather different origin.
During the World War One era there was a tremendous need of rubber tires for military vehicles containing cotton threads to help make them stronger and more durable. The type of cotton suitable for this purpose, which came from the east coast was devastated by blight and a new source was quickly needed. This prompted the Goodyear company to check out Arizona in search of suitable acreage, rich soil, and balmy climate to grow this long-staple cotton in large quantities. A Goodyear executive named Paul W. Litchfield was tasked to accomplish this end. The soil of the area (with irrigation) and long growing season proved to be ideal for large-scale cotton farming.
Litchfield was able to get Goodyear to set up the Southwestern Cotton Company in Phoenix with himself as president. Eventually the company’s acreage would encompass some 36,000 acres throughout the Salt River Valley/Phoenix region, with 5,000 of these acres surrounding what would eventually become the town of Litchfield Park by 1926. What would really make the town special, though, was the opening of the Wigwam Resort in 1929 and it would soon become a world renowned vacation destination. Originally the property was only for Goodyear executives who came to check on their cotton farms, but over the years the Wigwam continued to expand and now comprises over 300 rooms, golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools, and restaurants all while retaining its relaxing authentic Southwest ambiance.
Being that the Wigwam is right in the middle of town, it’s within walking distance of other restaurant and bar options. The yearly Art & Wine Festival each November outside the resort is another compelling reason to visit Litchfield Park. Of course, for those interested in history like myself the Litchfield Heritage Society & Museum is well worth checking out. The museum is operated out of a home that belonged to a relative of the Litchfield family and contains numerous exhibits related to the early circumstances of the town’s development. It was interesting to learn that although it began as a Goodyear company town, it was rather progressive for the 1910s where the workers had relatively good wages, labor conditions and were offered apprenticeships that would allow them to buy homes and property there.
Along with the history of Goodyear, there are numerous exhibits relating to the prominence of nearby Luke Air Force base which played an important role in helping the US and its allies towards winning World War Two. The museum also documents the history of the indigenous and Hispanic cultures in the region, along with other intriguing facts about the Litchfield Park area. The museum is only about a mile north of the Wigwam resort and is convenient to shopping and other nearby attractions such as the World Wildlife Zoo. Expect to spend around an hour and twenty minutes at the museum to study all the exhibits. Admission is free.
For more information about the Litchfield Park area check out the following websites:
