Arizona in DC February 14, 1912 – 48th State

Arizona: The Copper State

Arizona is the 48th state and last of the contiguous states to be admitted to the Union, achieving statehood on February 14, 1912. Historically part of the territory of Alta California in New Spain, it became part of independent Mexico in 1821.

You know you’re an Arizona native, when a rainy day puts you in a good mood.  – Marshall Trimble

Ten Interesting Facts About Arizona

1. There are 22 national parks and monuments in Arizona.

2. There are more than 100 wineries and 22 varietals of wine produced in Arizona.

3. Arizona is home to 75+ licensed craft breweries (and growing).

4. Arizona chefs and restaurants have received more than 50 James Beard nominations since 2010

5. Arizona’s Sonoran Desert is the only place on earth where the iconic saguaro cactus grows.

6. Arizona has 35 state parks and natural areas preserving the state’s natural, cultural and recreational resources.

7. The Arizona Trail is 800 miles long and is dedicated to hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing.

8. Two of the top-rated waterfalls in the United States are located in Arizona: Grand Falls and Havasu Falls.

9. The Grand Canyon National Park is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and the only one located within the United States.

10. According to Travel + Leisure, three of the 10 world’s best destination spas are in Arizona (two in Tucson and one in Sedona).

Across the Colorado River from the Needles, the dark and jagged ramparts of Arizona stood up against the sky, and behind them the huge tilted plain rising toward the backbone of the continent again.   John Steinbeck