Grave Marker of
Lord Darrell Duppa
 

Historical Significance:
Phoenix and Tempe are said to owe both of their names to the eccentric Lord Darrell Duppa. Born in Paris, France, “Lord” Duppa was the second son born to English parents. He migrated to Arizona and received quarterly payments the rest of this life. Phoenix, he thought, would rise from the ancient Indian canals like the mythological bird that rose from its ashes. The settlement by the buttes across the Salt River reminded him of the Vale of Tempe in Greece.

Darrell Duppa was originally buried in the Masonic section of Pioneer Memorial Cemetery only to have his remains re-interred in Greenwood Cemetery in 1921 by the DAR because “the old cemetery was not being properly maintained.” Once Pioneer & Military Memorial Park was established, Duppas’ body was returned in 1991, where he was laid to rest for the third time on November 16, 1991, in the Masons Cemetery, Block 20, Lot 2, Grave 6. The marker reads, “In memory of Darrell Duppa / An English gentleman and a pioneer of Arizona who named the cities of Phoenix and Tempe. / Died 1898. Erected by Maricopa Chapter D.A.R. 1910.”

Dedicated: 
1910

Sponsor:
Maricopa Chapter, NSDAR