School History

Charles W. Harris Elementary School is a part of the Cartwright School District. The District was founded in 1890 in the western part of what is now the city of Phoenix. The school was built in 1963 and renovated in 2002. It was named after Charles W. Harris.

Charles W. Harris

Colonel Charles W. Harris was Adjutant General for Arizona from July 3, 1912 to June 3, 1919, and again from January 1, 1923 to January 6, 1929. Col Harris retired as a Brigadier General after serving Arizona as The Adjutant General for 13 years. He was a pioneer Tempe resident. His career began when he joined Captain Carl Hayden's Company "C", First Arizona Infantry, in Tempe on July 3, 1903. He served in the National Guard of Arizona for the next 25 years. After service in the 7th Cavalry during the Spanish-American War, Harris rose rapidly in ranks of the First Arizona Infantry to be appointed Adjutant General of Arizona by Govenor Hunt on July 3, 1912, shortly after statehood. He was also director of Selective Service during World War I. General Harris died in Los Angeles, CA on August 4, 1929.