The mission of Maricopa County is to provide regional leadership and fiscally responsible, necessary public services so that residents can enjoy living in a healthy and safe community. Maricopa County was officially established on February 17, 1871. The County was named in honor of the Maricopa Indians, who were known to have inhabited the area as early as 1775. Maricopa County's outer geographical boundaries were set in 1881 and have not changed since.