During the territorial and early statehood periods, Tucson was Arizona's largest city and commercial center, while Phoenix was the seat of state government (beginning in 1889) and agriculture. The development of Tucson Municipal Airport increased the city's prominence. Between 1910 and 1920, though, Phoenix surpassed Tucson in population, and has continued to outpace Tucson in growth. In recent years, both Tucson and Phoenix have had some of the highest growth rates of any jurisdiction in the United States.
during the territorial and early statehood periods tucson was arizona's largest city and commercial center while phoenix was the seat of state government (beginning in 1889) and agriculture the development of tucson municipal airport increased the city's prominence between 1910 and 1920 though phoenix surpassed tucson in population and has continued to outpace tucson in growth in recent years both tucson and phoenix have had some of the highest growth rates of any jurisdiction in the united states