The Cartography of Higley

As with all cities, the publication of maps is a defining attribute in recording it's actual existence. However, "elusive" is not an understatement for Higley and those who seek a map of the place have endured a different experience. The visual aid of Higley's boundaries has depended entirely on who you ask. If you were to do an Internet search today for a Higley map, the marker would probably be on the spot where the post office stands, since that is technically the only place you can be from Higley now. Some utility maps today still have Higley marked with a southern boundary of Hunt Highway on the Pinal County line.

When founded, Higley served as a postal district, school district and commercial center for the entire San Tan farming community, what we now know as Queen Creek, Combs, Chandler Heights, south Mesa and Gilbert. Additionally, census records ran through Higley until the respective communities carved their own way. As small of a place that it started out to be, Higley truly was a "gateway" between the cities of the southeast valley and Pinal County's capital in Florence.

Your Friendly Higley Historians ask anyone who has a map of Higley to let us know, we would greatly appreciate a copy for posterity. Please email makehigleyhistoric@cox.net with any research leads, we can look on your behalf as well.

In the meantime, Make Higley Historic! is pleased to announce Higley's revival on a very special map. With the help of Andrew Phelps' internationally acclaimed work, Higley has made it on to the Future Arts Research at ASU's "101 Things We Love About Arizona" interactive map. FAR @ ASU is an initiative of the university president's office to expand the role of arts in Phoenix and greater Arizona through action research, public programs and new commissions. To see all of their "hot spots" and find out more about their sponsored events, go to http://futureartsresearch.asu.edu/hot-spots .

Your Friendly Higley Historians all concur that it's a breath of fresh air to be put on a map - we had grown quite accustomed to the opposite! Thank you kindly FAR @ ASU for your hard work and making both Higley's historic value and continued presence known.