A replica pioneer village depicts 19th century life on I-17 just north of the city. In all practicality however, it was the introduction of the air conditioner into American life after World War II, that attracted people here by the thousands. Today Phoenix and Las Vegas share the distinction of being the fastest growing cities in the country. Phoenix is the capital of Arizona, which was the last of the lower 48 states to achieve statehood in 1912. State, federal, and local governments now constitute a large portion of the traditional downtown area as private sector business has spread throughout the valley.
Phoenix is a favorite spot for vacationers, business conventions, and leisure travelers.
Numerous resorts provide business convention facilities, and office space amidst the constant growth is always available. Craggy mountain ranges surround the city magnifying colorful dawn and dusk light displays. The typically cloudless sky gives visitors a clear view of the moon's phases and evening stars. Many of the higher rated resorts are located near mountain areas that provide the most dramatic scenery. Desert rivers called washes run only after periods of heavy rainfall in a city that receives just 7.5 inches of rain a year.