25 Fascinating Facts About Arizona

Arizona is more than just deserts, cacti, and the Grand Canyon. For example, were you aware of its monsoon season? Or that it hosts the longest-running franchise in the NFL? Dive into these 25 fascinating facts.

1. Arizona boasts what is considered the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the United States.

The Hopi village of Old Oraibi, situated in Navajo County, is thought to be the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the U.S., with origins tracing back to approximately 1100 CE. Visitors can explore the area with Hopi guides, though photographing sacred sites is strictly forbidden.

2. Arizona was initially a segment of the New Mexico Territory.

After the Mexican-American War concluded in 1848, Arizona was included within part of New Mexico, specifically the New Mexico Territory. In 1862, the Arizona Organic Act was proposed to Congress, advocating for the division of the New Mexico Territory into two parts, with Arizona becoming a separate territory where slavery was prohibited (unlike in New Mexico, where it remained legal). Congress approved the bill, and in 1863, Abraham Lincoln officially enacted it into law.

3. Several alternative names were proposed for the state.

Officials considered various names for the new territory, including “Montezuma,” “Gadsonia,” and “Pimeria.” The name Arizona may derive from an O'odham phrase, Al Shon or Ali-Shonak, which translates to “place of small springs.”

4. A Civil War battle took place within the state.

The Battle of Picacho Pass, recognized as the westernmost battle of the Civil War, occurred 50 miles northwest of Tucson in 1862. This small skirmish involved only 13 Union soldiers and 10 Confederates. All three casualties were Union soldiers, including their commander, who ignored orders to avoid engaging the enemy. Although the Confederates claimed victory, it was fleeting, as Union forces quickly reclaimed Tucson, dashing the South’s ambitions of securing a route to the Pacific Ocean.

5. Arizona's journey to statehood was a lengthy process.

Arizona was the final state among the contiguous 48 to join the U.S., officially becoming a state on Valentine’s Day, 1912.

6. A violent family feud might have postponed Arizona's statehood.

What caused the delay? One factor could be Arizona's infamous family feud in the late 1800s between the Grahams and the Tewksburys. Initially business partners in cattle rustling, their relationship deteriorated rapidly. Over a decade, the conflict, known as the Pleasant Valley War, resulted in the deaths of nearly all male members of both families. It concluded in 1892 when Edwin Tewksbury killed Tom Graham, the last surviving member of the Graham family. This prolonged violence painted Arizona as a lawless territory rather than a candidate for statehood. Some historians believe the feud delayed Arizona's admission to the Union.

7. Arizona experienced a population boom in the mid-20th century.

The state's population surged after World War II, partly due to the widespread adoption of air conditioning. From 1940 to 1960, the number of residents nearly tripled [PDF].

8. One of London's historic bridges has been in Arizona since 1968.

When London Bridge was dismantled in 1968, it was transported 5400 miles to be reconstructed in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Robert McCullough, the founder of the resort town, envisioned it as the perfect centerpiece for his desert oasis and secured it with a winning bid of $2.5 million. It’s important to note that this was the 1831 version of London Bridge, not the medieval one known for displaying the heads of figures like William Wallace and Thomas Cromwell, who were considered enemies of the Crown.

9. Arizona's elevation might surprise you.

With an average elevation of approximately 4000 feet, Arizona ranks as the seventh-highest state in the U.S. Additionally, the state boasts 27 peaks that exceed 10,000 feet in height.

10. It hosts one of the globe’s earliest retirement communities.

Developed by Del Webb, Sun City is located northwest of Phoenix. Upon its grand opening during New Year’s weekend in 1960, it attracted over 100,000 visitors eager to explore its innovative concept, featuring five model homes, a recreational facility, a shopping plaza, and a golf course. The community rapidly grew and now accommodates 40,000 residents aged 55 and above.

11. The state boasts an officially designated fossil.

Petrified wood has never received a higher accolade.

12. The Grand Canyon draws millions of visitors annually.

Each year, approximately 5.9 million visitors travel to Arizona's Grand Canyon, with 90 percent choosing to admire the natural marvel from the South Rim. This area provides complimentary shuttle services and year-round access to dining and lodging options.

13. Arizona nearly had a pivotal role in the history of cinema.

Cecil B. DeMille, the famed director, initially considered Flagstaff, Arizona, as a potential location to relocate his New York-based film studio and shoot his 1914 western The Squaw Man. However, after a lengthy train journey, he found the city's mountainous landscape and chilly winds unappealing. As a result, he and his team traveled further to Los Angeles, ultimately filming in the quiet town of Hollywood, which soon became the heart of the U.S. film industry.

14. The majority of Arizona does not observe daylight saving time.

Arizona, along with Hawaii, is one of only two states that do not follow daylight saving time. After the Uniform Time Act was passed in 1966, residents initially adjusted their clocks but quickly grew to dislike the additional sunlight. This led to the passage of a special exemption bill. While most Arizonans support this decision, the Navajo Nation in the northeast continues to observe daylight saving time.

15. Arizona is home to towering cactuses.

The saguaro cactus, whose blossoms are the state flower, can reach heights of 50 feet, store hundreds of gallons of water, and live for up to 200 years.

16. Arizona experiences heavy rainfall during certain times of the year.

Despite its reputation for arid conditions, Arizona has a monsoon season in the summer. This occurs when winds shift from the northwest to the southeast, drawing moisture from the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, which can lead to flash floods. Residents are advised to remain cautious, particularly while driving. In fact, Arizona has enacted a “Stupid Motorist Law,” which mandates that drivers who bypass road closures and become stuck in floodwaters must cover the expenses of their rescue.

17. Arizona holds a prominent position in the field of astronomy.

In 1930, Clyde Tombaugh made the groundbreaking discovery of Pluto from the Lowell Observatory located in Flagstaff.

18. Phoenix started as a modest settlement.

The capital and largest city of Arizona, Phoenix, began as a hay camp in the late 1800s, providing supplies to nearby Camp McDougal. It flourished as a trading post, supported by an irrigation system that repurposed ancient channels originally dug by the Hohokam people. Phoenix was officially incorporated as a city in 1881 and became the capital of the Arizona Territory in 1889.

19. Today, the city is home to a significant portion of the state's population.

The population of the Phoenix metropolitan area—encompassing Maricopa, Pinal, and Gila counties—stands at 4.8 million, as per 2020 census data. This represents two-thirds of Arizona’s total 7.1 million residents. Phoenix itself is home to 1.6 million people.

20. Arizona holds its bolo ties in high regard.

While the bolo tie may not yet be a mainstream fashion item, in Arizona, it’s considered exceptionally stylish. It was designated the state’s official neckwear in 1971.

21. Arizona boasts a massive crater worth visiting.

Fifty thousand years ago, a meteor struck southeast of Flagstaff with the force of 150 atomic bombs. The resulting mile-long crater may not rival the Grand Canyon in grandeur, but it is celebrated as one of the world’s most well-preserved meteorite impact sites.

22. Ski enthusiasts should take note of this destination.

The southernmost ski resort in the U.S. is situated on Mount Lemmon (elevation 9000 feet) near Tucson. Featuring 21 runs and abundant natural snow, it’s far from a beginner’s slope.

23. The Arizona Cardinals hold the title of the oldest NFL team. Well, sort of.

The Arizona Cardinals are officially the NFL’s oldest franchise, though their history is more nuanced. Originating in Chicago as the Morgan Athletic Club in 1898, they adopted the name "Cardinals" in 1901 after receiving red jerseys from the University of Chicago football team. Known as the Racine Cardinals, they became the Chicago Cardinals in 1922 and secured league championships in 1925 and 1947.

In 1960, the team relocated to St. Louis, where they were called the “football Cardinals” to distinguish them from the city’s baseball team. After years of lackluster performance and dwindling attendance, they moved to Phoenix in 1988, initially as the Phoenix Cardinals before rebranding as the Arizona Cardinals in 1994.

24. Arizona is home to a unique elected official found nowhere else.

Arizona, with its rich history in copper and silver mining, stands alone as the only state that elects a Mine Inspector. A tip of the hat to Paul Marsh for holding this unique position.

25. AriZona Iced Tea doesn’t originate from Arizona.

The beverage company was established in New York in 1992 and is currently headquartered in Woodbury, Long Island. As for the name AriZona, the official website explains: "Don Vultaggio, the company’s owner, consulted a map to identify hot regions. Initially considering Santa Fe, they ultimately settled on AriZona, and the rest, as they say, is history."

This article was first published in 2015 and has been updated for 2022.