Phillip Darrell Duppa

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Phillip Darrell Duppa (October 9, 1832January 30, 1892) was a pioneer in the settlement of Arizona prior to its statehood. Duppa, who also called himself Lord Darrell Duppa, was born in Kent, England in 1832. He attended Cambridge University and learned the classics and five languages before moving to Prescott, Arizona in 1863, probably related to prospecting in the region at the time. Having made friends with Jack Swilling, and realizing the value of land, drilling, and canal building, he moved to the future site of Phoenix, Arizona with Swilling in 1867. Duppa built one of the oldest homes in Phoenix in 1870. He later died in Phoenix in 1892, at the age of 60. He is buried at the small Pioneer & Military Memorial Park a few blocks from the state Capitol.

Duppa is recognized as one of the founders of Phoenix, Arizona, with his friend Jack Swilling - and eventually built a ranch north of Phoenix. Phoenix was founded in 1868 (and later incorporated in 1881), and the name proposed by Duppa related back to the story of the mythical Phoenix's rebirth from the ashes. The basis being the rebirth of a city of canals, rebuilt on the site of the ancient Hohokam canal systems that dated back to about 700-1400 AD.

He also is credited for naming nearby Tempe after the Vale of Tempe in Greece.

He also founded New River, north of Phoenix. He was known for his hospitality, polish and toughness.

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