Cottonwood is centrally located in the Verde Valley. Residents and visitors enjoy the many benefits of the scenic Verde River. Founded in 1879 and incorporated in 1960, the city was named for a circle of 16 Cottonwood trees near the river. The vibrant greens of the riparian area blend with the hues of gold, red and limestone in the mesas, canyons and buttes surrounding Cottonwood. About 80 percent of the land in the Verde Valley is National Forest. Dead Horse Ranch State Park and the Verde River Greenway are within the city limits. Active community members and visitors enjoy bicycling, hang gliding, hiking, river rafting and equestrian activities. Wildlife and bird watching opportunities are plentiful. The panoramic beauty of Cottonwood and the Verde Valley is unsurpassed. Cottonwood is the commercial hub of the Verde Valley. It is home to an industrious population of 12,000 residents who are part of a larger population of 40,000 people in the upper Verde Valley. The city encourages a positive business climate. The expanding Cottonwood Airpark and Cottonwood Airport provide excellent opportunities. Old Town Cottonwood provides a small town atmosphere with eclectic shopping and cultural experiences. Cottonwood is "respectful of its past and focused on its future." Cottonwood has a wide variety of housing opportunities within the city limits. The Verde Valley Medical Center is Cottonwood's largest employer, and its life-saving cardiac intervention program is nationally recognized. Other successful businesses in Cottonwood manufacture products shipped globally. This city cares about its children and youth. An excellent school system includes K-12, Yavapai College and Old Dominion University. The Mayor of Cottonwood is proud of the high quality services that city employees provide residents and visitors. Check out these three Web sites: http://www.cottonwoodchamberaz.org/ ; http://www.sedona-verdevalley.com/ ; http://www.vvwinetrail.com/.