 Centuries ago, when most of the Southwest was sparsely populated, this portion of the Verde River Valley was a busy place. The prehistoric people who lived here are called the Hohokam and they became adept at utilizing the water from the Verde River to irrigate corn, beans and squash.
About AD 1400 they left the area. When the Spanish arrived there were no major population centers. The Native Americans were widely scattered in nomadic tribes that we know as Apache, Yavapai, Navajo, Hopi, Pima and Mojave.
In 1919 two ranchers obtained a homestead grant for 160 acres on the west bank of the Verde. Using this as their headquarters, they leased 93,000 acres from the government and formed the Box Bar Ranch.
In the mid-1900s land managers realized that the Phoenix area was due for a large population increase. The Page Land and Cattle Company purchased the Box Bar Ranch and adjacent land that would eventually become a sister city called Rio Verde. Development began there in 1974.
When the Rio Verde property was approaching build-out more land was acquired through land exchanges with the government. These were consolidated into 695 acres of property to be called Tonto Verde.
Before construction could start, an archaeological survey was required. Numerous Hohokam sites were identified and nine significant ones were excavated in the fall of 1991. In early 1992 construction was authorized and by November of 1993 the first Tonto Verde golf course was ready for play.
The first residents moved into their home in November of 1994 and others quickly followed. Home sales grew rapidly. By late 1996 a 26,000 square foot clubhouse overlooking two lakes and an 18-hole putting course was ready for use. The view from this spot is widely known as one of the most spectacular in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
By 1998 there were nearly 400 lots sold and 240 homes completed. The timetable for construction of a second golf course was moved ahead. This course was ready for play in 1999 and was named the Ranch course. The original 18 holes became known as the Peaks course.
The striking beauty of the courses and the surrounding mountains provide the ideal setting for a golf resort. Whether for retirement or a vacation home Tonto Verde provides the ideal location. We are surrounded on all four sides by public land. Here we enjoy the amenities of a first class country club in the midst of an openness, peacefulness and quiet that is unmatched any place in Arizona.
This is truly a magnificent location that tends to attract persons who have been successful and with a high energy level. It is a community of highly involved people who constantly demonstrate their willingness to help others. We are very fortunate to be able to call it our home.
Robert Mason, December 2004
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