Sierra Vista

HISTORY

Sierra Vista is the major population center for southeastern Arizona. The town is known as the "Hummingbird Capital of the U.S." because thousands of different species of these colorful birds return every summer to the lush canyons near the city. Sierra Vista is also home to Fort Huachuca, a national historic landmark and a modern army post headquartering the U.S. Army Intelligence Center and School, Army Communications Command and Army Electronic Proving Ground. Built in 1877, Ft. Huachuca's original Victorian-style officer's quarters are still in use. The name Sierra Vista means "Mountain View" in Spanish and the town originally was called "Garden Canyon." In 1919, a post office was created for civilian use by the historic military post and the town began to grow around the fort. Today, Sierra Vista is experiencing rapid growth and offers a dash of the Old West blended with a modern city against the backdrop of beautiful scenery.

BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY

Sierra Vista's economy depends largely on retail trade and services for the more than 11,000 military and civilian employees connected to Fort Huachuca. However, as the town and tourism have grown over the years, the local economy has become more independent on the fort. Major employers include Aegis Communications, Ilex Systems, Wal-Mart, and Sierra Vista Regional Health Center. The Sierra Vista Municipal Airport has passenger services via America West Express, and the airport also offers fueling, charter flights and flight training.

STATISTICS

• Population: 40,430
• Incorporated: 1956
• County: Cochise
• Elevation: 4,623
• Total Area: 153.5 square miles
• Average July High: 91
• Average January Low: 33
• Average Yearly Precipitation: 14.71
  
• Median Household Income: $38,427
• Median Age: 32
• City Sales Tax: 1.5%
• Cable Internet Service: Yes
• Fiber Optics: Yes
• (information current as of 6/2004)

ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS

Sierra Vista is a fun place with lots going on around the year, like the lofty hot air balloon festival, an exciting women's professional rodeo, and the annual toe-tapping Cochise Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering of the Southwest. Other local annual events include the Fiesta Culturals, a Fourth of July Celebration, Southwest Wings Birding Festival, and the Annual Fry Boulevard Holiday Lighting Ceremony.

Fort Huachuca Museum is a popular spot for visitors interested in the area's military history. The Historical Museum and Annex showcases military heritage, and the Buffalo Soldier's Memorial is a tribute to African-American soldiers. One of the most popular birding spots is the Nature Conservancy's Ramsey Canyon Preserve, which attracts bird lovers from around the world. Garden, Carr and Miller Canyons and the San Pedro Riparian National Conservatory Area are all great scenic places to be at one with nature and view wildlife. Also popular in the area is Coronado National Memorial and a drive through the same region Coronado traveled on his search for the Seven Cities of Gold.