Phoenix Celebrates America 250 With Interactive History Walk

To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, the City of Phoenix has installed an interactive history walk that takes visitors back in time to connect them with the legacy of the place we call home.

“As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, all of us should take pride in how far Phoenix has come, and where we’re headed next,” said Mayor Kate Gallego.

The educational exhibit begins at the northwest corner of 1st Ave. and Washington St. Visitors can follow the trail of 48 large, colorful decals on the sidewalk that guide them around several historic buildings on the City Hall campus. Each decal highlights an important moment in the history of the 48th U.S. state and the area that is present-day Phoenix.

“Phoenix is still a young city with many interesting and colorful points of history,” said Steve Schumacher, the Mayor’s Office Official Historian. “The process of selecting significant points of Phoenix history was difficult because of all the variables included in making the determinations.”

The History Walk moves in chronological order, with the arrow at the top of each decal pointing visitors to the next one, eventually leading them to the entrance of Phoenix City Hall.

Points of Pride

The tour continues inside City Hall, where Phoenix is highlighting several of its Points of Pride, including landmarks, cultural treasures, and natural wonders that showcase the city’s unique character and enduring spirit. To help residents and visitors connect with these iconic locations, each decal on the floor of the City Hall atrium features a QR code linking to an immersive, 360° view of one of the Points of Pride. Using their own phones, visitors are literally able to turn and look up, down, and in all directions at a given site. Some of the virtual experiences include walking along a pedestrian bridge on the trail to Piestewa Peak, sitting in the balcony of the Orpheum Theatre, and watching the bell toll from inside the tower of St. Mary’s Basilica.

According to Schumacher, immersion is an important part of understanding history.

"Hearing a history story gives people some information about our history. Pictures give a bit more information about what the location looks like. Walking along the path allows the visitor to participate in the learning process through involvement,” he said.

The Phoenix History Walk will be up for several weeks as the yearlong America 250 celebration continues.