In winter there is skiing, ice skating and hunting. Flagstaff has long been a transportation hub. Located along an old wagon road to California, Flagstaff began after the railroad arrived in 1881. Historic Route 66 passes through Flagstaff. Flagstaff's name comes from a tall pine tree made into a flag pole in 1876 to celebrate the Declaration of Independence Centennial.
Tourism is a major source of employment.
Traditional economic activities continue to employ people. New scientific and high tech research and development industries have located in Flagstaff. Approximately 16,000 students attend Northern Arizona University. More than 100,000 people do business in Flagstaff, both in the historic downtown area and at several shopping centers. Most of Flagstaff is a designated Enterprise Zone.