Arizona is the 48th state to be admitted to the union. It’s achieving statehood in February 14, 1912 so that it’s called the Valentine State. The neighboring states of Arizona are California and Nevada in the west, Colorado in the north, Utah in the northeast and New Mexico in the east. While in the south, Arizona is bordered with Mexican states of Sonora and Baja California. In this article, we will talk more about Arizona facts to give you more information of this Grand Canyon State.
1. Arizona is the Last of the Contiguous States to be Admitted to the Union
When it was admitted to the union in February 14, 1912, Arizona became the 48th state and the last of contiguous states. Previously, Arizona was known as The Territory of Arizona from February 24, 1863 until February 14, 1912. The Territory of Arizona was created from western half of the New Mexico Territory during the American Civil War.
2. Phoenix is the Largest Capital City by Population
Phoenix is the capital and most populous city of Arizona. It’s also the largest capital city and fifth most populous city in the United States. We can also find that Phoenix is the only state capital in the United States that has more than one million population.
3. About One-Quarter of Arizona is Made Up of Indian Reservations
There are 27 federally recognized Native American tribes in Arizona. They occupy about one-quarter of the Arizona area. The largest one is Navajo Nation. It’s also the largest one in the United States. Apache County of Arizona also has the highest concentration of speakers of Native American Indian languages in the United States.
4. Humphreys Peak is the Highest Point in Arizona
With an elevation of 12,637 feet (3,852 m), Humphreys Peak is the highest natural point in Arizona. Humphreys Peak is the highest of San Francisco Peaks, a group of dormant volcanic peaks. It’s named after Andrew A. Humphreys, a Union general during the American Civil War. It’s quite easy to reach by hiking the 4.8 miles (7.7 km) long Humphreys Summit Trail from the Arizona Snowbowl ski resort.
5. Arizona Has the Largest Stand of Pinus Ponderosa Trees in the World
Pinus ponderosa or ponderosa pine is a native pine species to mountainous regions of western North America. It is the most widely distributed pine species in North America. We can find the world’s largest stand of ponderosa pine trees in Arizona.
6. Saguaro Cactus Blossom is the State Flower of Arizona
The Saguaro is a tree-like cactus species native to the Sonoran Desert in Arizona, the Mexican state of Sonora, and the Whipple Mountains and Imperial County areas of California. The saguaro blossoms that bloom on the tip of the Saguaro Cactus are the state flower of Arizona. It became the state’s flower in 1931. The white, waxy flowers of Saguaro usually appear in April through June.
7. Palo Verde is the State Tree of Arizona
Palo verde or Parkinsonia aculeata is a species of perennial flowering tree in the pea family, Fabaceae that native to the Sonoran and Chihuahan Deserts of southwestern United States (western Texas, southern New Mexico southern Arizona), and northern Mexico (Sonora and Chihuahua). It also can be found in the Galápagos Islands. In 1954, Palo verde became the state tree of Arizona.
8. The State Bird of Arizona is Cactus Wren
The Cactus wren was designated as the state bird of Arizona on 16 March 1931. The Cactus wren or Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus is the largest wren in the United States that endemic to the deserts of the southwestern United States and northern and central Mexico. As the largest wren in the United States, Cactus wren is between 18 and 19 cm (7.1 and 7.5 in) long and with an average of 38.9 g (1.37 oz) weight.
9. Grand Canyon of Arizona is One of the World’s Seven Natural Wonders
Grand Canyon National Park is located in the northwestern part of Arizona that makes Arizona called The Grand Canyon State. Its central feature is a gorge of the Colorado River that is named Grand Canyon. Grand Canyon is one of world’s seven natural wonders while it was also designated by UNESCO in 1979 as a World Heritage Site.
10. Arizona is a Major Copper Producer
Arizona is also known as the Copper State. Since the 19th century, Arizona has been a major copper producer. The Morenci Mine, that located in Morenci, Arizona, currently (2020) produces the most copper of any mine in the United States.
Besides those 10 facts, I’m sure that there are more facts about Arizona. Feel free to share with us here if you have more facts about Arizona.