Statehood Day in Arizona – February 14, 2025

History of Statehood Day in Arizona

The history of Arizona is as old as the formation of America. Before European colonizers made their way to Arizona, the present-day territory of the state was inhabited by various Native American tribes, such as the Anasazi, Mogollon, and Hohokam. It became a fertile land that supported many civilizations. In the 16th century, the Spanish became the first Europeans to set foot in Arizona. Most of the Spanish troops were looking for Cibola, the mythical Seven Cities of Gold.

During the 19th century, Arizona would become a part of the Territory of Nueva California when Mexico achieved independence from Spain. The U.S. would gain possession of the area during the Mexican-American War of 1847. The American government originally administered the area as part of the Territory of New Mexico until the southern part of the region seceded and formed the Territory of Arizona under the Confederate States of America. At this point, it seemed like a distant dream for Arizona to be able to join the American states!

The Federal government declared a new Arizona territory that comprised the western half of New Mexico territory on February 24, 1863. The new boundaries drawn would become the boundaries that would later be used when Arizona would finally become an American state. On February 14, 1912, Arizona became the 48th state to join the Union. The 2022 celebration of Statehood Day in Arizona commemorated 110 years of statehood in Arizona. Arizona is best known for the Grand Canyon and the abundant availability of copper.