By Mary Goldmeer
Mail

Goodyear celebrates its 78-year anniversary since the city’s incorporation in 1946 on Tuesday, Nov. 19.

The community's origins can be traced back to 1917 when the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. purchased 16,000 acres in the West Valley for cotton production. The cotton was used in the manufacturing of rubber tires for military aircraft during World War I, as the material was in short supply at the time. 

In 1941, with the U.S. preparing for World War II, the federal government began construction of an aircraft plant on land leased from Southwest Cotton Co. The plant was operated by Goodyear Aircraft, a division of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co.

At the same time, Del Webb started building single-family homes on 40 acres just north of Western Avenue and east of Litchfield Road to accommodate workers at the plant. On the north side of Western Avenue, Southwest Cotton Co. also developed a business district, which included Bowman’s Drug and Abraham’s Market, along with a barbershop and a beauty salon on Litchfield Road.

In May 1944, residents and property owners of the area voted to name their community "Goodyear." The Goodyear Post Office opened on Nov. 22, 1944, and the town was officially incorporated on Nov. 19, 1946.

At the time of incorporation, the town had 151 homes, 250 apartments, a grocery store, drug store, barber shop, beauty shop, and service station.

Goodyear has experienced significant growth over the years. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the city's population grew by 46% during the past decade, from 65,275 in 2010 to 95,294 in 2020.

As of the latest estimates, Goodyear’s population stands at 111,508. 

To help preserve the history of the city, Goodyear has created the Goodyear Historical Project, which includes an interactive timeline highlighting key events in the city’s development. The timeline is continuously updated to reflect new milestones in Goodyear's history, from its early days as a cotton-growing and industrial center to its current status as a growing suburban city.

 Goodyear continues to evolve as it commemorates its anniversary. The city remains focused on its growth and development, reflecting its ongoing transformation from a small agricultural community to a growing city within the Phoenix metropolitan area.

Visit goodyearaz.gov for information.