PHOENIX

Historic Legend City in Phoenix

Legend City was a theme park that operated between Phoenix and Tempe from 1963 until 1983. It was torn down to make way for Salt River Project corporate offices. This photo was taken around 1969.
Legend City was a theme park that operated between Phoenix and Tempe from 1963 until 1983. It was torn down to make way for Salt River Project corporate offices. This photo was taken around 1969.
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Legend City opens to the public. Admission is $3 for adults; $2.25 for kids, and includes all rides.
Legend City opens to the public. Admission is $3 for adults; $2.25 for kids, and includes all rides.
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June 29, 1963: Advertising executive Louis Crandall (right) created Legend City from 87 acres in the Papago Park area. The other man's identity is unknown.
June 29, 1963: Advertising executive Louis Crandall (right) created Legend City from 87 acres in the Papago Park area. The other man's identity is unknown.
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Advertising executive Louis Crandall (right) created Legend City from 87 acres in the Papago Park area. The other man's identity is unknown.
Advertising executive Louis Crandall (right) created Legend City from 87 acres in the Papago Park area. The other man's identity is unknown.
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Legend City in 1963.
Legend City in 1963.
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Los Latinos play at Legend City in June 1963.
Los Latinos play at Legend City in June 1963.
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The Lagoon area Legend City in 1963.
The Lagoon area Legend City in 1963.
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Legend City Railroad Bridge in 1963.
Legend City Railroad Bridge in 1963.
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Legend City installation of Iron Horse in 1963.
Legend City installation of Iron Horse in 1963.
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Iron Horse train at Legend City in 1963.
Iron Horse train at Legend City in 1963.
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May 1963: Test run of coal-powered locomotive. Motorists on East Washington Street stop their cars to gawk.
May 1963: Test run of coal-powered locomotive. Motorists on East Washington Street stop their cars to gawk.
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The Iron Horse Train in Legend City, May 1963.
The Iron Horse Train in Legend City, May 1963.
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1912 model Car Ride from Legend City in 1963.
1912 model Car Ride from Legend City in 1963.
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The Circle at Legend City in May 1963.
The Circle at Legend City in May 1963.
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The Lagoon Stage at Legend City in May 1963.
The Lagoon Stage at Legend City in May 1963.
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Legend City with Phoenix Stadium under construction in the foreground.
Legend City with Phoenix Stadium under construction in the foreground.
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Legend City boat cruise in March 1964.
Legend City boat cruise in March 1964.
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The Iron Horse Train in Legend City, May 1966.
The Iron Horse Train in Legend City, May 1966.
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May 1968: The Frontier Funland company, owned by U-Haul founder Sam Shoen, buys Legend City for just under $1 million. It reopens May 3, 1969. John Muessle, the new manager, tells the Republic the city has grown enough to support the park.
May 1968: The Frontier Funland company, owned by U-Haul founder Sam Shoen, buys Legend City for just under $1 million. It reopens May 3, 1969. John Muessle, the new manager, tells the Republic the city has grown enough to support the park.
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June 30, 1973: A log ride -described as a rollercoaster on the water - opens .
June 30, 1973: A log ride -described as a rollercoaster on the water - opens .
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Aug. 10, 1977: Esther Urbalijo, 12, is killed when the door on the Zipper ride flies open and she falls 60 feet to the ground. Her 15-year-old sister, Inez, is injured. The family would be awarded $1.3 million in a lawsuit.
Aug. 10, 1977: Esther Urbalijo, 12, is killed when the door on the Zipper ride flies open and she falls 60 feet to the ground. Her 15-year-old sister, Inez, is injured. The family would be awarded $1.3 million in a lawsuit.
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Dec. 5, 1977: Some Western-themed false-front buildings catch fire. Tempe Fire Department says it suspects arson.
Dec. 5, 1977: Some Western-themed false-front buildings catch fire. Tempe Fire Department says it suspects arson.
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Turvey Mansion at Legend City in 1978.
Turvey Mansion at Legend City in 1978.
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April 17, 1982: After fire rips through an abandoned ride, a Tempe Fire battalion chief says the park is a fire hazard.
April 17, 1982: After fire rips through an abandoned ride, a Tempe Fire battalion chief says the park is a fire hazard.
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June 13, 1983: Salt River Project announces deal to buy land for expansion.
June 13, 1983: Salt River Project announces deal to buy land for expansion.
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Aerial view of the Legend City as construction begins on a new corporate headquarters for SRP in 1986.
Aerial view of the Legend City as construction begins on a new corporate headquarters for SRP in 1986.
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Sept. 4, 1983: Legend City closes its gates for the last time on.
Sept. 4, 1983: Legend City closes its gates for the last time on.
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The Salt River Project headquarters now cover the grounds of Legend City in the Papago Park area. Legend City was open from 1963-82 and was the only Amusement Park in the history of Phoenix.
The Salt River Project headquarters now cover the grounds of Legend City in the Papago Park area. Legend City was open from 1963-82 and was the only Amusement Park in the history of Phoenix.
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The location of the entrance to Legend City is now covered by the Western Refining building at 1250 West Washington Street in Tempe.
The location of the entrance to Legend City is now covered by the Western Refining building at 1250 West Washington Street in Tempe.
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