Coolidge, located halfway between Phoenix and Tucson, is the commercial center of the Arizona's cotton industry. In 1925, after the construction of the Coolidge Dam, which transformed the flat desert into rich farmland, R.J. Jones laid out an 80-acre site to found the City. The City was named after President Calvin Coolidge who dedicated the Dam in 1930. After Incorporation in 1945, the City has grown slowly but steadily and now covers twelve square miles, and has a population of more then 8,600. Coolidge is in the major growth corridor between Phoenix and Tucson. There is a broad range of community facilities including a Library, a Cultural Center/Auditorium, ten parks, a swimming pool, several tennis courts, a golf course, and an adult center. The City has an excellent Public School System with three elementary and junior high schools and a high school. Also Central Arizona College located six-miles west of Coolidge, offers a wide range of college transfer and vocational courses, continuing education programs, cultural and athletic events and special training for business and industry.