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When the earliest iteration of Phoenix was mapped out in 1870, alleys were instrumental to the plan. These busy thoroughfares brought heavy foot traffic and, by extension, gave rise to businesses.
At the turn of the 20th century, Malinda “Malindy” Curtis (a well-known downtown courtesan) lived and worked in the alley between Adams and Monroe.
Following her death in October 1910, the Arizona Republican deemed Curtis, “one of the warmest hearted old women who ever lived,” despite veering from the straight and narrow path.
Malinda’s legacy lives on in a larger-than-life mural by local artists Hugo Medina and Darrin Armijo-Wardle.
– Hannah Van Sickle, The Arizona 100