Desert Visions and the Making of Phoenix, 1860–2009 (review)

In Desert Visions, Philip VanderMeer not only updates Phoenix’s history since its last comprehensive examination in Bradford Luckingham’s Phoenix: The History of a Southwestern Metropolis (2nd ed., 1994), he aims to present a “comprehensive study of how and why Phoenix grew.” He underscores how Phoenix obtained its physical shape, something that sets this book apart from others. The essential events of Phoenix’s history are still here: founding, water resource development, World War II, and postwar growth. Nevertheless, VanderMeer brings a different interpretation to many events. For example, the real impact of the war for Phoenix was not the increased government investment it brought. Rather, it was in providing leaders with a postwar vision and the know-how to implement it.

Throughout Desert Visions, VanderMeer’s scope is Phoenix the region, not simply the city (except for the discussion of politics). Drawing upon urban geographers, historians, and journalists, he describes the “multi-nucleated” nature of Phoenix’s form.

VanderMeer divides Phoenix’s history into three eras, each defined for the vision residents had at the time. Throughout these he interweaves five thematic areas: desert environment, urban form, economy, social and cultural values, and social leadership. The environment influences urban form, which reflects residents’ values—whether imported or homegrown. The economy, while shifting, provides continuity. Phoenix’s leadership connected economic, political, and social factors in developing the region.

In VanderMeer’s first era, settlers tried to “civilize the desert” through agriculture. The region grew in part because of its ability to control water. While the city imitated urban forms elsewhere, it also adapted to the conditions of its location, such as through the use of irrigation canals. The climate, a persistent force throughout the book, attracted residents and created an “outdoor culture.”

World War II ushered in a “high tech suburban” era focused on electronics and aerospace manufacturing. A unified public-private leadership created a supportive business climate with improved governance, inexpensive services, affordable housing, and cultural institutions. Meanwhile the region tamed the climate and distance through air conditioning and an airport. Phoenix grew rapidly. VanderMeer shows how the region, while mirroring national trends, developed with local differences. Post World War II home building is one example. He traces local builders and distinctive innovations in techniques, materials, and subdivision planning.

During the present era, consensus over regional growth faltered. Critics noted environmental and social impacts of growth. More residents wanted a role in governing. Concerns about development’s excesses by the 1990s changed how the city grew with an emphasis on the desert environment, downtown revitalization, and economic restructuring. VanderMeer brings the story up to the present by describing how the region is trying to deal with the economic crisis and the slowing of population growth through efforts to build a biomedical industry and depend less on construction. Local readers will recognize the influence of Jon Talton, a former business columnist for the Arizona Republic newspaper, who presciently noted the weaknesses of the region’s economy.

In Desert Visions VanderMeer includes detailed statistics and uses new scholarship such as theses and dissertations. Despite the absence of a bibliography, researchers will find the notes section useful. Overall, VanderMeer offers a fresh and insightful examination of Phoenix’s history.