West Valley Living Vol. 5

The Rich History of Goodyear: From Cotton Fields to Thriving Community

Goodyear's story begins in 1917, intertwining with the ambitions of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. Seeking an alternative to Egyptian cotton for their tire cords, the company set its sights on our desert southwest

Key Figures in Goodyear's Development

Paul W. Litchfield: As a Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company executive, Litchfield played a pivotal role in establishing Goodyear. He purchased over 16,000 acres of land and founded the Southwest Cotton Company in Phoenix. Litchfield's vision extended beyond business; he took a keen interest in developing the community, even establishing a cemetery for Goodyear Farms employees in 1917 F.A. "Frank" Seiberling: Although not directly involved in Goodyear, Arizona, Seiberling, along with his brother C.W. "Charley" Seiberling, founded the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in 1898. Their entrepreneurial spirit set the stage for the company's expansion into Arizona.

From Farmland to City

Initially known as "Egypt" due to its cotton production, the area evolved into Goodyear Farms. The community grew steadily:

• 1941: Goodyear Aircraft is established for wartime production
• 1946: Goodyear is incorporated as a town with 151 homes, 250 apartments, and essential businesses
• 1985: Goodyear becomes an official city

Modern Growth and Notable Residents

While not necessarily born in Goodyear, several celebrities have chosen to make the West Valley their home. For instance, George Takei, the "Star Trek" actor and activist, owns a vacation home in nearby Show Low.

Recent Developments

Goodyear continues to grow and evolve:

• 2008: Goodyear wins the All-America City Award
• 2020: The city's population reaches 95,294, marking significant growth
• 2024: Ground breaks on Goodyear Way, a milestone in downtown development
   

The city is also seeing expansion in healthcare and commercial sectors. Recently, construction began on the GSQ Medical Building, a state-of-the-art facility that will house Banner Health services

 

As your local realtor, I'm excited to see Goodyear's continued growth and development. Whether you're a long-time resident or considering making Goodyear your new home, I'm here to help you navigate our dynamic real estate market. Feel free to reach out if you'd like to discuss how these developments might impact your property values or if you're interested in exploring new opportunities in our thriving community.