Mesa, << MAY suh >> (pop. 504,258), is one of the largest cities in Arizona. It lies near the Salt River, about 13 miles (21 kilometers) east of Phoenix. Mesa is part of the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler metropolitan area, which has a population of 4,845,832.
Mesa is a fast-growing community with a wide variety of businesses. The city serves as the retail and service center for eastern Maricopa County. Several medical centers and large shopping malls are in Mesa. Major businesses produce aircraft and aircraft parts, heavy machinery, propulsion equipment, and vehicle safety systems. Telemarketing is also an important activity. Mesa’s chief tourist attractions include the Visitors’ Center at the Mesa Arizona Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Arizona Museum of Natural History.
Mesa was founded by Mormons in 1878. The original settlement occupied about 1 square mile (2.6 square kilometers) of elevated ground, overlooking the Salt River Valley. Mesa is a Spanish word meaning table. Mesa began annexing (adding) some of the surrounding area in the 1930’s. The city has a council-manager form of government.
