THE HISTORY Blessed with one of the largest rivers in the West, unique terrain, superb weather and a prehistoric network of canals, Hayden’s Ferry communities quickly became an important part of the Salt River Valley. Settlements grew quickly and the town was named Tempe in 1879. “Lord” Darrell Duppa is credited with suggesting the name… The sight of the butte and the wide river, towering Cottonwood trees, and the nearby expanse of green fields reminded him of descriptions of such a place in ancient Greek Literature: the Vale of Tempe… “There is a vale enclosed with hanging forests, steep on every side; men name it Tempe. Here the river rolls at towering peaks; its foot his foaming course, swirling clouds of mist drift down in rain upon the trees… Here is the home, the mansion, the retreat of that majestic River…” ­Metamorphoses