Originally known as Rittenhouse, Queen Creek started as a farming community rooted in agriculture. In 1919, C.H. Rittenhouse formed the Queen Creek Farms Company to transport and distribute agricultural products.

The area’s fertile land attracted settlers who grew cotton, corn, and potatoes. Mexican immigrants, German prisoners of war, and Philippine immigrants later helped support the region’s agricultural workforce.

Queen Creek received its name from the nearby creek that flowed through Queen Canyon and connected to the historic Silver Queen Mine. The town officially incorporated on September 5, 1989, to protect its rural identity while guiding future growth and development.

To celebrate the town’s 25th anniversary in 2014, Queen Creek produced and released “From Rittenhouse to QC,” a mini-documentary highlighting the community’s history and its effort to incorporate as a municipality. The town updated the PBS award-winning film in 2020. The documentary features interviews with members of Queen Creek’s founding families.

The Mayor and six Town Council members are the only elected officials in the Town of Queen Creek. The Mayor and Town Council members serve four-year terms and are elected at large on a nonpartisan ballot. The Town Council is elected on a rotating basis, so three seats are up for election every two years. There are no term limits for the Mayor or Town Council members.

Queen Creek stands as a vibrant town of growth and opportunity in the East Valley, offering strategically located land primed for development and a dynamic, well-educated workforce ready to support expanding industries. Key areas include:

Agriculture and Agribusiness: Queen Creek’s history as a farming community has led to a strong agritourism industry. Local farms, such as Schnepf Farms and Queen Creek Olive Mill, attract visitors for seasonal festivals, farm-to-table dining, and educational tours. Beyond traditional agriculture, there’s a focus on agribusiness innovation, including organic farming, eco-friendly growing practices, and food processing facilities.

Manufacturing and Distribution: Queen Creek has strategically zoned areas for industrial and light manufacturing operations, making it attractive for companies needing space and proximity to the larger markets of Metro Phoenix. Businesses in sectors like precision manufacturing, electronics, and aerospace are showing increasing interest in the Town of Queen Creek. Its location near major highways and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport supports logistics and distribution businesses, catering to companies needing easy transport to other areas of Arizona and western United States.

Technology and Innovation: The town promotes technology and innovation-driven businesses, especially in areas like software development, cybersecurity, and data management. Support for tech startups is growing, with resources aimed at fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem. ASU Polytechnic campus is a key asset for Queen Creek’s tech industry, providing access to skilled graduates and innovative research in fields like engineering, robotics, and data science.

Retail and Commercial Development: Commercial retail centers provide a significant boost to the local economy and cater to a growing population. The town supports a vibrant small business community, with local shops, restaurants, and service providers flourishing in key commercial zones. Queen Creek’s pro-business environment encourages entrepreneurs, with resources and incentives available for business startups.