Phoenix

Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona, the one-time site of an act of ingenious engineering and civic rebirth. Before its annexation into Mexico, the Hohokam people transformed the desert into arable land over 135 miles (217 kilometers). Drought made the area untenable, however, and it was not until the land was ceded to the United States after the Mexican American war did the area become populated once more. Named for the rebirth of a new city on top of the ruins of another, Phoenix has once again become a major hub for outdoor activities such as hiking and golf, as well as sports training facilities.