I drive down McDowell Road in Phoenix pretty regularly to meet up with Zach for lunch.
Originally called Christy Road, the name was changed to McDowell Road way back when...
This road actually led to the cavalry outpost of Fort McDowell near the criss-crossing of the Salt and Verde Rivers. The street, the fort, the mountains, and the ranch all got their name from Civil War General Irvin McDowell, a graduate of West Point and Union Commander at the Battle of Bull Run.
Fort McDowell, as a military installation, existed here from 1865 to 1895.
Dubbed the "Miracle Mile" during the 1950's, McDowell Road was quite the stunner in its heyday.
Prominent businesses included birdhouse vendors, delicatessens, newspaper offices, and photography studios, along with clothing shops and other small businesses.
The street lost its vibrancy as local areas began building mega-malls that motivated shoppers to seek bargains off this major thoroughfare. A decline continued through the late 1980's.
Artists began looking at this Central Phoenix Corridor to not only open up shop, but also to paint murals along the sides of dilapidated and vacant buildings. And that's where we get started.
My camera is typically at home, but not today!
A perfectly humid, look at those gorgeous clouds kinda day.
It's only 98* outside today and my driver and I are ready.
Mr. Smith and I made the trek up and down McDowell Road from Hwy 143 to 19th Avenue at Grand Avenue where the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum holds court. Nicknamed "The Madhouse on McDowell", this venerable stadium is host to all sorts of conventions and The Arizona State Fair.
This street is loaded with great mural artistry - check out some of my favorite finds below.
Like what you see? Check out some of our major thoroughfares in Phoenix and look for mural art.
Just don't go the wrong way on a one-way street!!!
Enjoying every Day of Retirement!!!!
:) Deb
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