The city of Scottsdale on the outskirts of Phoenix is known for many things. It is a popular vacation destination for those wanting to experience the culture of the many art galleries as well as for fans flocking to spring training games and of course the party crowd that is constantly giving business to the bars and clubs of the area. The Waste Management Golf Tournament and the Barrett Jackson car auction are annual events that combined with the ideal winter weather keep the tourism industry strong throughout the city and all over the Valley of the Sun. Believe it or not, before the resorts and golf courses the city of Scottsdale was once a wild west town full of ranchers, cowboys, and farmers and has just recently become a center of nightlife for the Phoenix area.
The city of Scottsdale was named for Civil War veteran and Baptist preacher, Winfield Scott. Scott was born in Michigan then moved to New York State where he attended a theological seminary and married a school teacher. In 1862 Scott formed the Company C 126th regiment with 98 men he recruited from Farmer Village, NY where he was serving as a Baptist minister. Company C fought in many battles during the Civil War and Scott was wounded on several occasions. In 1864 he ended his military service due to the injuries he sustained during the war and once again turned to a life of preaching.
In 1881 Scott became an official Army chaplain and headed out west to preach in Oregon and California. It was at this time when Scott was invited to the Phoenix area to share his talents. Scott preached from pulpits in Phoenix, Tempe, and Prescott. He made a down payment on some land in what is now Scottsdale for a measley 50 cents an acre. Along with his brother, Scott planted barley, vineyards, and orchards of citrus trees.
While a resident of Scottsdale, Winfield Scott was president of the first Scottsdale board of education, a member of the territorial legislature, and a member of the college board. Scott was also responsible for the building of a brick school house in Scottsdale in 1909 shortly before his death, which occured in 1910. The brick school building is now home to Scottsdale Historic Museum. Looking at all he accomplished, no one can ever argue that Winfield Scott was not a busy man or that he did not dedicate his life to one of service to his God and his fellow man.
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