Maricopa is in Central Arizona . It is in Pinal County. The town is located 16 miles south of Interstate 10, just south of Phoenix. The community is at the foot of the Sierra Estrella Mountains.

Overview:
Maricopa is an unincorporated town with a diversified economy. The town sits at an elevation of 1,170 feet. The warm desert climate has a winter low temperature of 40 degrees and a summer high temperature of 100 degrees. There are many things to see and do. Maricopa has something for everyone.

Community Features:
There are two attractions that are only minutes away from town. The Firebird International Raceway is several miles north of Maricopa. The raceway has three road-racing courses, a drag strip and a 120-acre private sport lake. There are many major spectator motor sports held at the raceway throughout the year. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is located, just a mile down State Highway 347. The casino offers slot machines, bingo, live entertainment and restaurants. Harrah’s is a very popular gaming spot.

History:

The history of Maricopa dwells mostly on its location and its name. Both of these elements have changed three times during the past 150 years. 

The town began as Maricopa Wells, about 10 miles northwest of present day Maricopa. Maricopa Wells was a stage station for the San Antonio and San Diego Mail in 1857. 

Next, the Butterfield Trail passed through making the community into a small trading center. It offered water, rest and repairs. The town was ideal for stagecoaches crossing the territory needing stop for a quick fix. Then the military telegraph came through in 1873. The telegraph helped connect the town to many others.

Two elements caused the demise of Maricopa Wells. They were the outbreak of the Civil War and the construction of the railroad. The Civil War brought the end of traveling mail carriers and the railroad was built south of town.

After the collapse of Maricopa Wells, Maricopa Station was established. It was located three and a half miles from the present day Maricopa. Maricopa Station was to become a junction for the connecting Southern Pacific Railroad, which linked Yuma and Tucson with Phoenix. The new community was to be named Maricopaville and it was toted as being the “City of the Future.” There was even talk of investors from California joining in on the town’s concept. 

Unfortunately, this hoopla was short lived. Tempe wanted to be on the railroad line. This ended the prospects for Maricopa Station. The name Maricopa Station was changed to Heaton and it became a railroad siding, along the Southern Pacific Railroad.

Next, the community of Maricopa Junction came into existence. The town was created from the extension of the railroad line to Phoenix in 1887. After a period of time, “Junction” was dropped from its name. 
Today Maricopa is located 16 miles south of Interstate 10. The town remains unincorporated. Maricopa has many businesses and industries that have diversified from the town’s farming background.