Why were settlements started in places like Vegas and Pheonix if they weren’t connected to a river that connected to the ocean like the Mississippi River for trade and had no viable farmland?

Question

Why were settlements started in places like Vegas and Pheonix if they weren’t connected to a river that connected to the ocean like the Mississippi River for trade and had no viable farmland?

In: 4650

Answer 1

Vegas is essentially connected to the Colorado river, and had essentially unlimited water via the Hoover dam.

Phonix on the other hand was established at the fork of the Salt and Gila rivers. While they arent the size of the Mississippi or Colorado rivers, they provide access to drinking water for the city.

Both cities were founded because of the large areas available for agriculture. The problem now is that the over use of available water has led to the water demand surpassing the supply. Mostly from groundwater pumping which has led to the natural aquifers drying up, along with many smaller rivers.