Introduction - Arizona
Located in the Southwest region of the United States Arizona is one of the four corners states, which comprise the only point in the U.S. where four states (Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico) borders meet. This hot and arid state has numerous natural wonders, a large number of Native American reservations, and some huge cities. More than 37 million people visit this state every year and one of the main reasons why is the fact that it is home to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon. Below are lists of interesting facts about Arizona written for kids and adults. This information includes when Arizona became a state and what the capital is.Click here for a great selection of Amazon.com books about Arizona.
State of Arizona Quick Facts
- Arizona was the 48th state to join the union.
- Arizona officially became a state on February 14, 1912.
- Arizona is the 6th largest state in the United States.
- The state capital of Arizona is Phoenix which is also the largest city in the state.
- The population of Arizona is 6,626,624 (source 2013 United States Census Bureau estimate).
- Arizona is the 15th most populous state in the U.S. (source 2013 United States Census Bureau estimate).
- The state flower of Arizona is the Saguaro Cactus Blossom.
- The nicknames of this state include The Grand Canyon State and The Copper State.
- Residents of Arizona are called Arizonans.
- Major Rivers in this state are the Colorado River, Little Colorado River, and the Gila River.
- The Arizona March song is the state song.
Interesting Arizona Facts
- The land that would eventually become the northern part of Arizona was ceded to the United States as a result of the Mexican-American War. The US obtained the land that would be the southern part of Arizona in the Gadsden Purchase of 1853.
- Arizona is known for its hot, dry climate and desert regions.
- Twenty-two Indian tribes live in Arizona.
- Five states border Arizona; they are Utah, California, New Mexico, Colorado, and Nevada.
- Besides the Grand Canyon, Arizona is home to many natural wonders including the Petrified Forest, Meteor Crater, Saguaro National Park, Colorado River, Sunset Crater, and Monument Valley.
- Industries in Arizona include tourism, mining and manufacturing.
- Arizona has an official state fossil which is petrified wood.
- The official state bird is the Cactus Wren.
- At 12,633 feet (3,850 meters) above sea level, Humphreys Peak is the highest point in Arizona.
- Arizona does not observe Daylight Savings Time.
- At least 15 different species of dinosaur fossils have been discovered in Arizona.
- Three U.S. navy ships have been named in honor of the state.
State of Arizona Historical Facts
- Francisco Vazquez de Coronado was a Spanish explorer who led a major expedition to Arizona in 1540 and is credited with discovering the Grand Canyon.
- The Great Depression of 1929 caused copper mining and copper farming, two of Arizona's most significant industries, to suffer greatly.
- The name Arizona was chosen over several other possibilities in 1863 when President Lincoln signed the bill that officially made "Arizona" a U.S. territory.
- In 1918, Douglas, Arizona was the site of a significant battle during the Mexican Revolution when Mexican forces attacked U.S. troops.