Welcome to Arizona

Arizona is located in the Southwestern United States. It is one of the Four Corners states. It borders New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, California, touches Colorado, and has a 389 mile international border with the states of Sonora and Baja California in Mexico. The Grand Canyon is a colorful, steep-sided gorge, carved by the Colorado River, in northern Arizona. The canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and is largely contained in the Grand Canyon National Park—one of the first national parks in the United States.  Aside from the Grand Canyon, many other National Forests, Parks, Monuments, and Indian reservations are located in the state.    Meeting its original native inhabitants, Marcos de Niza, a Franciscan, explored the area in 1539. Coronado's expedition entered the area in 1540–42 during its search for Cíbola. Father Kino developed a chain of missions and taught the Indians Christianity in Pimería Alta (now southern Arizona and northern Sonora) in the 1690s and early 1700s. Spain founded fortified towns (presidios) at Tubac in 1752 and Tucson in 1775. When Mexico achieved its independence from Spain in 1821, what is now Arizona became part of the Mexican State Nueva California, also known as Alta California. In the Mexican–American War (1847), the U.S. occupied Mexico City and forced the newly founded Mexican Republic to give up its northern territories, including the later Arizona. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848) specified that the U.S. pay Mexico the sum of $15 Million US in compensation. In 1853 the land below the Gila River was acquired from Mexico in the Gadsden Purchase. Arizona was administered as part of the Territory of New Mexico until southern New Mexico seceded from the Union as the Confederate Territory of Arizona on March 16, 1861. This is the first official use of the name. A new Arizona Territory, consisting of the western half of New Mexico Territory was declared in Washington, D.C. on February 24, 1863. Arizona became a state on Valentines Day 1912. It was the last of the 48 continental states to be accepted into the Union.  Arizona's population grew tremendously after World War II, in part because of the development of air conditioning, which made the intense summers more comfortable.   For decades the driving forces behind Arizona’s economy were the five C's:  Copper, Cattle, Cotton, Citrus and Climate.  The mining and farming industries have become less important to the Arizona economy.  In the 21st century another C is being added:   Computers. More broadly defined as high technology, computer and computer related industries already account for 49 percent of Arizona's manufacturing employment. Nationally, only 14 percent of the manufacturing workforce works in high-tech industries. It's clear that Arizona is moving into the forefront of this new economic revolution.   Much of the support for Arizona's high-tech industries comes from small business. By all estimates, small business is big business in Arizona. Over 60 percent of all Arizonans work in companies that employ less than 100 people and more than 80 percent work in companies with less than 250 employees.   Arizona also continues to rely on tourist dollars.  Whether it’s the thrill of an outdoor adventure amid some of the most awe-inspiring scenery on the planet, an exotic sun-drenched getaway to an indulgent, world-class spa or to examine and experience the rich history and multifaceted cultural offerings of the Grand Canyon State,  visitors to Arizona enjoy a plethora of activities, while spending money.

Fast Facts Population (2006 Est.) - 6,166,318 Capital - Phoenix Largest Cities    Phoenix    Tucson    Mesa Elevation   Highest  Humphreys Peak 12,633 ft  (3,851 m)   Lowest Colorado River 70 ft  (22 m) Nickname - The Grand Canyon State Web site - www.az.gov