Winfield Scott and “Scottsdale”, 1888 to 1896

Winfield Scott was born on February 26, 1837, in West Novi, Oakland County, Michigan, the first son and fourth child in a family of three brothers and four sisters. Sixteen years later, during February, 1853, he became a member of the local Baptist church.

In 1855, Scott graduated from Middlebury Academy located in Wyoming, New York, situated twenty-three miles southwest of Rochester. That fall at age 18, he entered the University of Rochester and thus became a member of the university’s fifth freshman class. After a full university life, Scott graduated from the University of Rochester on July 13, 1859. He was apparently the first in his family to graduate from college. He immediately enrolled in Rochester Theological Seminary, graduating from that institution two years later, and on his graduation day marrying Helen Louise Brown (born January 8, 1838 in Plainfield, New York). Winfield Scott was ordained on December 13, 1861, in Syracuse, New York, and then on August 9, 1862, the Reverend Mr. Scott become Captain Scott of the Union Forces.

For Scott’s exploits in the Civil War and long service in the Army, his Chaplain years, and his organization of churches in Kansas, California, and other western areas, a reading of Winfield Scott, A Biography of Scottsdale’s Founder, Richard Lynch, published by the City of Scottsdale is recommended.

This is a framed photo of Winfield Scott with a small photo of Mrs. Scott and unidentified child. The reverse side of the photo states: “Dedicated to the Church founded by Chaplain Winfield Scott, Feb 26, 1837 - Oct. 19, 1910.”

Scott’s First Visit to Valley

In February, 1888, Chaplain Winfield Scott arrived in the Salt River Valley. He was probably invited by his friend, Robert W. Pearson, pastor of the Phoenix Episcopal Church who was acting as point man for a group of civic and business leaders who had heard of Scott’s impressive reputation as an effective promoter of immigration.

Phoenix at that time, 114 years ago, had a population of 3,000 to 6,000 souls, depending on whose count you used and whether the Indians in the Valley were counted.

The first visit by Chaplain Scott is an historic event because thereafter, the geography of the Salt River Valley would be dramatically changed resulting in an ever-growing population.

Scott’s Purchase of a Section of Land in Valley

Five months following his first visit, on July 2, 1888, at the United States Land Office in Tucson, an unknown agent for Scott made a down payment of fifty cents per acre on Section 23, Township 2 North, Range 4 East, Gila and Salt River Meridian. The genesis of Scottsdale is found with this purchase. Today, bounded by Scottsdale Road on the west, Indian School Road on the south, Hayden Road on the east, and Chaparral Road on the north, Scott’s desert claim lies in the heart of Scottsdale.

(Modern perimeters of section purchased: Scottsdale Road on west, Indian School Road on south, Hayden Road on east, and Chaparral on north.)