On September 25, 1981, Phoenix resident Sandra Day O'Connor broke the gender barrier on the U.S. Supreme Court, when she was sworn in as the first female justice.

The Salt River Valley is an extensive valley on the Salt River in central Arizona. Although this geographic term still officially identifies the area, the name "Valley of the Sun" popularly replaced the usage starting in the early 1930s.

With more than 200 golf courses, Phoenix has become one of the top golf destinations in the world.

Since 1979, the city of Phoenix has been divided into urban villages, many of which are based upon historically significant neighborhoods and communities that have since been annexed into Phoenix. The nine original villages have expanded to fifteen over the years.

Phoenix's early economy focused on agriculture and natural resources, especially the "5Cs" of copper, cattle, climate, cotton, and citrus.

The Phoenix Suns are the only team in their division not based in California.

Phoenix landmark Camelback Mountain, which rises to 2,704 feet above sea-level, resembles the hump and head of a kneeling camel. Most of Camelback Mountain falls within Phoenix city limits.

The "Greater Phoenix" area refers to Chandler, Glendale, Scottsdale and Tempe.