War Information
10 sectionsWars History of Mesa
Hohokam Civilization
Mesa built on ruins of Hohokam civilization. The Hohokam built extensive canal systems. Their society collapsed before European contact, likely due to drought.
Spanish Colonial Era
Spanish explorers passed through the Salt River Valley. No permanent settlement. Apache and Yavapai resisted Spanish encroachment.
Mormon Settlement and Indigenous Displacement
Mormon pioneers settled Mesa in 1878. They rebuilt ancient Hohokam canals. Indigenous peoples were forced off lands by US Army campaigns.
Apache Wars Impact
The Apache Wars affected Mesa. Fort McDowell used as Army base. Apache and Yavapai confined to reservations.
WWII Japanese American Incarceration
Mesa agriculture depended on Japanese American labor. During WWII, Japanese Americans were forcibly removed to camps.
Urban Sprawl and Water Wars
Mesa growth consumes farmland and desert. Water wars with Native nations over Colorado River allocations continue.
