History and origin of Eloy, Arizona

Eloy is a city located in Pinal County, Arizona, United States. The area that is now Eloy was originally inhabited by the Akimel O’odham people, who were farmers and hunters. In the 17th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the area and established missions, bringing with them horses and cattle.

The town of Eloy was founded in 1902 by the Southern Pacific Railroad, which constructed a rail line through the area. The town was named after the daughter of one of the railroad executives. Eloy grew rapidly, and by 1918, it had a population of over 1,000 people.

During World War II, Eloy was home to a large Army Air Forces training base, which helped to further the growth of the town. After the war, Eloy’s economy shifted to agriculture and industry, and the town continued to grow.

Today, Eloy is known for its location between Phoenix and Tucson, as well as for its many recreational opportunities, including skydiving, golfing, and hiking. The town is also home to several large employers, including the Corrections Corporation of America, which operates a prison in Eloy.