In 1887, the first mule-drawn streetcar rolled on freshly laid rails down Washington Street and the growth of Phoenix rolled with it, the first city in Arizona to embrace mass transit. As the trolley system grew, so did the city. At its peak in the 20's, rails ran for over thirty miles along city streets carrying over 6.6 million passengers in 1929 alone. It was an integral part of daily life until 1947 when a trolley barn fire destroyed all but 6 cars. Qver the next year busses became the backbone of mass transportation in the valley.
Phoenix Trolley's successor (light rail)
has changed development in the Valley
just as the trolley did 130+ years ago.
The Museums Institutional Memory
Today, the Phoenix Trolley Museum is dedicated to the preservation of original trolley cars, memorabilia and public education about a time and place that would one day become the 5th largest city in America.
We use the unique story of the Phoenix streetcar system to connect you with the city as it once was and what it's beginnings mean to
those of us
who live
here today.
This three and a half minute video gives you a flavor the museum and some historical images .
The Phoenix Trolley Museum
is a 501(c)3
non-profit organization
Ernie Workman, former President of the Museum and long time volunteer.
Museum Association of Arizona
Arizona Capitol Museum
Trolley Exhibit
