In 1878 the city of Mesa first registered as a one-mile square town site about 20 miles east of Phoenix. Today it is the third largest city in the state and measures 18 miles from east to west, with a population of about 485,000. In 1917 Mesa bought the local utility company, which provided all the revenue need for the city until 1917. The World War II era saw much growth since a large number of military personnel moved into the area of Williams Field and Falcon Field.

Spring training facilities for the Cactus League, Sloan Park and Hohokam Park attract visiting fans. A number of educational institutions are located in Mesa, including the ASI Polytechnic Institute. The Mesa Amphitheater and the Mesa Arts Center present a wide variety of entertainment. Mesa Arizona Tempe, a large LDS house of worship, holds an Easter Pageant every spring. Notable Mesa museums include the Commemorative Air Force Museum, the Arizona Museum of Youth, the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum, the Mesa Historical Museum, and the Arizona Museum of Natural History.

The median age in Mesa is 35.7. The median household income in 2016 was $52,392. The median home value is estimated at $249,800, and the median list price per square foot is $155.

Mesa Chamber of Commerce: www.mesachamber.com

Mesa School District: www.mpsaz.org