Eloy is located at the heart of the Sun Corridor along Interstate 10 and Interstate 8 at the vortex of manufacturing and major distribution firms. These firms also benefit from the presence of the Union Pacific Railroad, which runs north of Interstate 10. Eloy began as a railroad switchyard, which connected Tucson to Casa Grande, in 1902. In 1918, three men (W.L. Bernard, J.E. Meyer and John Alsdorf) purchased land, subdivided it and began growing cotton, calling the area Cotton City. An application was made in 1919 to establish a post office, at which time the city founders named the community "Cotton City." This name was rejected by what would become the U.S. Postal Service and the name "Eloy" was chosen.

Principal Economic Activities

Eloy’s economy has focused on agriculture because of its location in the Santa Cruz River Basin, one of Arizona's most fertile agricultural areas. Recently, the city’s economy has diversified, with more than three-quarters of its businesses and nearly half its employment now in the industrial, wholesale/retail trade, and service sectors. The city continues to be a prime location for five major truck stops (along I-10) and is the site of four prison facilities operated by CoreCivic. Other private employers include: Schuff Steel, Otto Environmental Systems Inc., Republic Plastics Arizona, LLC, San Juan Pools, Townley Manufacturing, HASA of Arizona, Monsanto Inc. and Arizona Pacific Wood Preserving Inc. Eloy is also known internationally for its skydiving facilities. Located at the Eloy Municipal Airport, SkyDive Arizona and its supportive businesses can accommodate the experienced and novice jumper.

Scenic Attractions

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, located 15 miles to the north, offers a glimpse of the ancient Sonoran Desert. Picacho Peak State Park, five miles south, features Picacho Peak, a unique historic/geological formation, and recreational facilities. Its Hunter Trail is a well-known destination for area hikers. Picacho Peak is the site of the only Civil War battle in Arizona, which is re-enacted each spring. The Ironwood Forest National Monument, eight miles to the southwest, provides primitive camping, hiking, mountain biking and nature viewing.

Community Facilities

The Eloy Fire District serves the city’s fire protection and emergency response needs with two stations. The Eloy Police Department serves the city’s public safety needs. The city’s children attend the Eloy Elementary School District #11, which operates four schools: Toltec Elementary School District #22, which operates a middle school; and Santa Cruz Valley Union High School District #840, which operates the Santa Cruz Valley High School, which is also the site of the joint-use community library. The Central Arizona Valley Institute of Technology (CAVIT), located 15 miles north, offers a range of technical study programs. Central Arizona College (CAC), also 15 miles north, offers pre-baccalaureate programs and more than 90 occupational study programs. Sun Life Family Health Center/Pharmacy is located in Eloy and Banner Casa Grande Medical Center is 15 miles to the northwest. The city maintains and manages nine parks and two community centers and administers a variety of recreation activities for all ages. One golf course is also located in the city. The Eloy Visitor Center serves tourists from its office at the historic high school located on Toltec Road.