History of Catalina Foothills, Arizona in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 13, 2026

Catalina Foothills is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Pima County, Arizona, situated north of Tucson in the Santa Catalina Mountains' southern foothills. According to the 2010 census, it had a population of 50,796.

1928: Murphey Buys Land in Catalina Foothills

In 1928, Murphey purchased a 7,000-acre tract of land north of River Road between North Oracle Road and Sabino Canyon at a federal land auction, with plans for low-density residential development.

1931: Catalina Foothills School District Organized

In 1931, the residents established the Catalina Foothills School District, and Murphey sold the land for the first school building near East River Road and North Campbell Avenue. Joesler designed the first school building.

1936: St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church Completed

In 1936, St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church was completed at the corner of Campbell Avenue and River Road. Murphey donated the land, and Joesler donated his design services.

1951: DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Construction Begins

In 1951, artist Ted DeGrazia began building the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun near the intersection of North Swan Road and East Skyline Drive.

1963: Skyline Country Club Established

In 1963, the Skyline Country Club was established in Catalina Foothills.

2000: Catalina Foothills Census Data

In 2000, the census recorded 53,794 people, 23,948 households, and 15,590 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,209.5 inhabitants per square mile.