Located along an old wagon road to California, Flagstaff began after the railroad arrived in 1881. I-17, Highway 89 to Page and Utah, and Highway 180 to the Grand Canyon. Historic Route 66 passes through Flagstaff. Flagstaff s name comes from a tall pine tree made into a flagpole in 1876 to celebrate the Declaration of Independence Centennial. Principal Economic Activities Flagstaff is a governmental, educational, transportation, cultural and commercial center.
Tourism is a major source of employment.
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 shipping centers. Most of Flagstaff is a designated Enterprise Zone. Scenic Attractions Flagstaff and the surrounding areas are abundant with attractions.