The History of Arizona

In 1539, Marcos de Niza, a Spanish Franciscan friar, embarked on an exploration of Arizona in search of the legendary Seven Cities of Gold. His journey marked the first European exploration of the region. Francisco Vásquez de Coronado followed him a year later, also in pursuit of gold, but much of the early settlement in Arizona was primarily driven by missionary efforts. In 1775, the Spanish established Fort Tucson, solidifying their presence in the area. After the Mexican War in 1848, the majority of Arizona territory became part of the United States, and the southern portion was acquired through the Gadsden Purchase in 1853.

Arizona is steeped in the legends and tales of America's Old West. It was here that renowned Native American chiefs Geronimo and Cochise led their people in resistance against the encroaching frontiersmen. The town of Tombstone, Arizona, gained fame as the site of the most renowned shootout in the West—the gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Presently, Arizona boasts one of the largest Native American populations in the United States, with over 14 tribes represented across 20 reservations.

Manufacturing has emerged as Arizona's primary industry, with a focus on electrical, communications, and aeronautical products. The state is a major producer of copper, accounting for over half of the country's output. Agriculture also plays a significant role in the state's economy, with cattle and calves, dairy products, and cotton being key commodities. Notably, in 1973, the completion of the New Cornelia Tailings dam near Ajo marked a remarkable engineering feat.

Tragically, Arizona has faced devastating forest fires in its history. The Rodeo-Chediski Fire, which began on June 18, 2002, and was not brought under control until July 7, became the state's most destructive forest fire at the time. However, on June 14, 2011, the Wallow Fire surpassed the Rodeo-Chediski Fire as the largest fire in Arizona's recorded history. The Rodeo Fire was ignited by a part-time firefighter seeking employment, while the Chediski Fire originated from the signal fire of a stranded motorist. The two fires merged, ultimately consuming over 700 square miles. The Wallow Fire, which scorched 840 square miles, was caused by an unattended campfire started by two cousins.

In 2008, Arizona senator John McCain secured the Republican nomination for the U.S. Presidency but was ultimately defeated by the Democratic ticket of Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

Arizona boasts a wealth of captivating attractions, including the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon, the unique Petrified Forest, the striking Painted Desert, the iconic Hoover Dam, the expansive Lake Mead, the historic Fort Apache, and the reconstructed London Bridge at Lake Havasu City.