Herb Drinkwater

Few mayors shape a city's self-image the way Herb Drinkwater shaped Scottsdale's. Councilman from 1970 and mayor from 1980 to 1996, he governed in Western suits, a bolo tie, and cowboy boots, and worked tirelessly to sell the town as the West's Most Western Town. A relentless booster who seemed to know everyone, he steered Scottsdale's growth from resort town toward city while guarding the frontier image that drew visitors. Arizonans returned the affection with approval ratings near ninety-six percent. When he died in 1997, the man called Mr. Scottsdale was mourned as a friend.

What the plaque says

Herbert R. Drinkwater, 28 August 1936 to 28 December 1997. He served the citizens of Scottsdale for 24 years, eight as city councilman (1970-1978) and sixteen as mayor (1980-1996). Known as Mr. Scottsdale, he was a one-man chamber of commerce who, in his own words, considered serving the citizens of Scottsdale the greatest job in the world. He personified the city's West's Most Western Town image, dressing in Western suits, a bolo tie, and cowboy boots, and ranked among Arizona's most popular politicians.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Heard Museum — 8.8 mi
  The Native Southwest, told in the first person
• Taliesin West — 9.0 mi
  Frank Lloyd Wright's desert masterwork, grown from the ground it stands on
• Phoenix — 9.3 mi
  The fifth-largest US city, built on the canals of a thousand-year-old one

More markers nearby

• The Little Red Schoolhouse — steps away
• Winfield Scott Memorial — steps away
• Our Lady of Perpetual Help — steps away
• Sterling Drug Store — steps away