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Arizona
Capital:
Phoenix
State abbreviation/Postal code:
Ariz./AZ
Nickname:
Grand Canyon State
Origin of name:
Spanish interpretation of "arizuma,"
anAztec Indian word meaning "silver-bearing." Also based on Pima
Indian word "arizonac" for "little spring place."
Briefs on Arizona:
Arizona is one of the Four Corner states and is
located south and east of the Colorado River. Spread in an area of
295,254 square kilometers, the sixth largest state in the region,
Arizona borders New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, California, Colorado and
Mexico.
Known for its diverse landscapes, Grand Canyon,
beautiful desert sunsets, majestic mountain ranges, cool pine forests
with changing seasons, swift rivers, peaceful mountain streams,
colorful meadows and massive canyon lakes, Arizona is a spectacular
and unforgettable place.
 Regarding the origins of Arizona it is said that
in 1539 Marcos de Niza, a Franciscan explored the place. In 1540-42
while searching for Cibola, Coronado’s expedition entered the area.
During 1690 and early 1700 father Kino developed a chain of missions
and preached Indians Christianity in the Pimeria Alta region. In 1752
Spain established a fortified town at Tubac and in 1775 at Tucson. In
1810 Mexico demanded its independence from Spain and resulted in
Arizona becoming a part of the northwest frontier. In 1848 the
termination of Mexican-American war that was fought between the United
States and Mexico from 1846 to 1848 resulted in Arizona being occupied
by the United States of America. Prior to 24th February
1863 when Arizona was organized, it was administered as part of the
Territory of New Mexico. On 25th February 1881 phoenix, the
present capital and largest city of Arizona was incorporated as a
city. Located in central Arizona phoenix is the largest city and
largest metropolitan area by population.
There were several options for the name of the
territory such as Gadsonia, Pimeria, Montezuma, Arizuma and Arizona.
Each proposed name had some grounding and significance but when
President Lincoln signed the final bill, it read Arizona and so the
state got its permanent name.
In the late 19th century Brigham Young
sent Mormons to Arizona. They laid the foundation of towns like Mesa,
Snowflake, Heber, Safford and several others. They even settled in the
region of Phoenix Valley, Tempe ad Prescott.
On 14th February 1912 Arizona was
categorized as a state of United States of America. Arizona was the 48th
state admitted to the American territory and it was the last admitted
contiguous state as well.
The economy of Arizona suffered a great setback
during the Great Depression. However in 1920 and 1930 Arizona
experienced an unprecedented boom in its tourism industry. As a result
the lodging and other tourist facilities were amended to a great
extent during this time.
During the Second World War Arizona was the site
of a German and Italian prisoner of war. After the war the state
witnessed a remarkable rise in its population. This rise was due to
the development of the air conditioning system that made grueling
summers tolerable for people.
Over the years Arizona progressed in various
sectors. The state’s economy grew stronger and there were several
other developments for instance the development of the retirement
communities in different corners of the state to assist the senior
citizens etc.
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