Marana Arizona

Marana Arizona

Marana is in Southern Arizona . It is in Pima County. The town is located along Interstate 10 between Tucson and Phoenix. Tucson is one mile to the south of town.

Overview:
Marana has long been a transportation center for farming and ranching. It is a pleasant rural community, enjoying the benefits of being located near a large metropolitan city. The town sits at an elevation of 2,055 feet. The warm desert climate has a winter low temperature of 40 degrees and a summer high temperature of 100 degrees. The town’s goal is to be the best place in the state to live, work, play and learn.

Community Features:
Marana has several outdoor activities. Picacho Peak State Park is 15 miles to the north. Picacho Peak was an early landmark for those traveling the desert and the site of the Arizona ’s only Civil War battle. The park offers hiking, camping and picnicking. Twenty miles to the east is Catalina State Park. When the early Spaniards passed through the area, they thought the mountains took on a cathedral-like appearance. They named them La Iglesia, meaning, “church.” Today, the mountain range is called the Santa Catalina Mountains. The park offers camping, picnicking and birdwatching. There is also an equestrian center that is a staging place for trail riders and trailer parking.

History:

Marana appeared on the map in 1881, when the Southern Pacific Railroad arrived. The name Marana comes from the Spanish word, meaning “jungle” or “impassable tangle.” This was appropriate because railroad construction workers had to chop their way through the mesquite brush and catclaw to make way for the line.
During World War I, the population grew. Ranching and the railroad were the main contributors to prosperity. Marana established a school and a hospital at this same time.

In 1920, Edwin R. Post arrived in the area with a plan. He drilled wells into the desert floor and began pumping. The water was used for in an extensive irrigation canal system. The town boomed from 1920 to 1924 with cotton farming and for a short time the town was called Postvale.
Construction of the Marana Army Air Field began in 1942, just north of town. The base was used as an air transport basic training school. The highway was improved between Tucson and Phoenix to help in the military efforts. Then in 1945, the base was deactivated. During the Korean War, it was reopened. Today, it is used as a storage place for civilian planes.

In 1959, Titan Missile sites were established, as a part of the ballistic missile installations in and around Tucson. There are five sites near Marana.

The widening of Interstate 10 in 1961 had a big impact. Marana’s downtown business district had to be removed and relocated. This change ruined main street. Visitors upon arriving in town, will find that Marana does not have a true main street like so many other small towns.

In 1977, Marana was incorporated. Soon, the town began an aggressive annexation process. These annexations have encouraged new business growth.

Today, Marana has a variety of home developments. However, agriculture still plays a part in the town’s economy. The University of Arizona has even established an agricultural center. Tourism also is a part in the community. Three championship golf courses offer lots of outdoor fun. Visitors are close to many attractions and outdoor activities. Marana wants to be “The Biggest Little Town in America.”