15 Interesting Facts About Arizona You Should Know
Discover the Wild West's vibrant heart! Explore Arizona's stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Unearth interesting facts about arizona, Grand Canyon State.
Sep 03, 20243.9K Shares91.7K Views
On February 14, 1912, Arizona, also known as the "Copper State" or the "Grand Canyon State," became the 48th state to accede to the Union. With 7.2 million residents, it ranks as the fourteenth most populated state.The states of California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah encircle Arizona. It is the sixth largest state, covering 113,990 sq mi (295,234 km2) in total land area. For now, though, enough dry data; let's examine more closely at what drives this arid state!
Discovering Arizona
1. The True Meaning Of Arizona's Name Is Unknown To Us
There is a possibility that we will never discover the precise source of the word Arizona. No one is certain where Arizona originated.
Having said that, there are actually just two choices. The indigenous O'odham people, who were the first people to live in Arizona, are the first potential source of the name.
According to mythology, there is a little spring in the Mexican state of Sonora, which borders Arizona.
Upon inquiring about the area's name, the European settlers were informed that it was named after the spring, alĭ ṣonak.
Following then, this name changed to Arizonac in Spanish and finally to Arizona in English. The origin of the opposite theory is considerably simpler. Arizona and Sonora got their names from the shepherds who lived there in considerable numbers, primarily from the Basque region of Spain.
Arizona is thought to have evolved from the Basque term "haritz ona," which means "the good oak" throughout time.
2. Spaniards Were The First Europeans To Arrive In Arizona
The Spaniards were the first Europeans to settle in Arizona. In 1539, Marcos de Niza, a Spanish missionary, led the first group of European settlers into Arizona. Marcos is said to have discovered Cibola, a magnificent city teeming with immeasurable wealth, while traveling.
Even though he was only able to observe it from a distance, he returned to Culiacán and wrote up a thorough report of his findings.
This prompted Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, a conquistador and explorer, to set out on an amazing journey through the Arizona region and into New Mexico.
Regretfully, Coronado never did find the wealth he was looking for.
3. Arizona Is Home To One Of The Best-preserved Meteorite Craters
One of the biggest meteor craters in the world is located in Arizona. It's called the Barringer Meteor Crater, or the "Meteor Crater," and it's one of the best-kept meteor crater sites worldwide.
The meteor's projected time of impact on Earth is 50,000 years. The crater is astoundingly large, measuring 1.6 kilometers in width and 570 feet (170 meters) deep.
4. Arizona Was Formerly A Mexican State
Previously, Arizona belonged to Mexico. Given Arizona's proximity to the US-Mexico border, it should come as no surprise that the state was formerly a part of Mexico before becoming a US state.
Actually, the region was first settled by the Spanish, and Mexico did not become the state's dominant force until after it separated from Spain.
However, that authority was only temporary, as the United States annexed the territory following the Mexican-American War of 1848.
After that, it took the area an additional 64 years to become a state!
5. Once Disassembled, The London Bridge Was Relocated To Arizona
Arizona is currently home to London Bridge. The legend of Lake Havasu City's founder, Robert McCulloch Sr., is among the stranger ones to emerge from Arizona.
At the time Robert founded Lake Havasu City, the London Bridge just so happened to be sinking and was starting to become a safety hazard. What then did he do?
He purchased the entire bridge, lights and all, and had it moved to Arizona!
The bridge was disassembled and rebuilt piece by piece, and it remains the most popular tourist destination in the vicinity.
6. In Arizona, Only 15% Of The Land Is Privately Held
In Arizona, just 15% of the land is privately held. Even though this amount might not seem like much, keep in mind that Arizona is a very large state.
17,100 square miles (27,360 km2) of privately owned land still make up 15% of Arizona!
State and federal parks, protected areas, state trust lands, and areas set aside for Native American reservations make up the remainder of Arizona.
7. In Actuality, There Are Deeper Canyons In The Globe Than The Grand Canyon In Arizona
The world's deepest canyon is not the Grand Canyon in Arizona. This is a fact that, wherever you share it, we guarantee will spark some debate. The Grand Canyon has long been marketed as the world's deepest canyon, particularly by conceited patriots and Arizonans.
The Grand Canyon is incredibly deep and breathtakingly beautiful, yet it is simply not deep enough. The Grand Canyon descends to a depth of 6,093 feet (1,857 meters), or little over a mile.
Nevertheless, since everyone has a somewhat different definition of what the world's deepest canyon is, it appears that no one can truly agree on this point. The Yarlung Zangbo Canyon in Tibet, which is an amazing 19,715 feet (6,009 meters) deep, is the most likely explanation, though!
8. There's More To Arizona Than Just The Grand Canyon
One of the many options in Arizona for visiting the Grand Canyon is the Petrified Forest. The Grand Canyon draws the majority of tourists to Arizona because of its immense size and beauty, but many of them fail to see the state's other numerous national parks and monuments.
There are actually twenty-two national parks and monuments, of which the Grand Canyon is just one! The remains of homes carved out of the sides of a canyon at the Canyon de Chelly National Monument and the petrified trees in the Petrified Forest National Park are two noteworthy substitutes for the canyon.
9. Arizona Has 27% Forest, So It's More Than Just Mountains And Deserts
Arizona has 27 percent forest land. The majority of people associate Arizona with mountains, plateaus, and other desert geographical features.
The fact that woods make up about 27% of Arizona's landscape is one of the state's most astonishing geological facts! In comparison, France has 29% of its area covered by forests, but just 2% more total.
10. There Is No Daylight Savings Time In Arizona
There is no daylight saving time in Arizona. It's actually one of just two states, the other being Hawaii , that don't observe this. Legislators from Arizona filed a special request for an exception, which was granted. state-wise, that is.
The Navajo Nation, the biggest land area in the US retained by indigenous peoples, is the only section of the state that still observes daylight savings time.
11. There Are Thirteen Different Species Of Rattlesnakes In Arizona
There are a lot of dangerous snakes in Arizona. If you're not into snakes, I would strongly advise against visiting Arizona!
The largest rattlesnake in the west of the US (Western Diamond-backed rattlesnake), the most poisonous rattlesnake in the country (Mohave rattlesnake), and even a rattlesnake with horns over its eyes (Sidewinder rattlesnake) may all be found here. The most terrifying aspect of it isn't really being bitten, but rather the expense of the anti-venom treatments, which frequently reach $20,000!
12. Arizona Gave Rise To The First McDonald's Drive-through
In Arizona, McDonald's opened its first drive-thru. Yes, you read correctly, there was a moment when enjoying everything McDonald's had to offer required getting out of your automobile! This was true during the dark ages of fast food, but in 1975 a visionary franchise owner in Sierra Vista had an epiphany.
However, he cannot take full credit for it, as his decision was influenced by Fort Huachuca, a nearby military base. Soldiers stationed at the site were not permitted to appear in public while wearing their uniforms at the time.
They were therefore forced to drive past McDonald's without being able to stop for a bite to eat since they were entering and exiting the base while still dressed in uniform. Thus, on January 24, 1975, the world's first McDonald's drive-through opened, much to the delight of both local soldiers and residents!
13. In Arizona, Taking Down A Cactus Is A Class 4 Crime
In Arizona, trimming some cacti is illegal. Not any cactus, that is. We are discussing the Saguaro cactus, which is among the most recognizable of all cacti. Native to Arizona's Sonoran desert, the saguaro cactus reaches heights of up to 40 feet (12 meters)!
These cactus grow very slowly, and they can live for over 150 years. However, the Saguaro is protected by state law in Arizona, and any harm done to them is illegal and carries a potential three-year prison sentence!
14. There's A Monsoon Season In Arizona
Arizonan monsoon lightning striking the earth. This desert state is actually prone to big rainfall at the end of summer, believe it or not.
It's typical to encounter thunderstorms, pouring rain, and even flash flooding during the monsoon season! A "stupid motorist law" was created in Arizona because residents are constantly attempting to cross flooded rivers and streams during flash floods.
According to this rule, anyone who is saved while trying to cross a blocked-off area of a flooded road must cover the expense of their rescue.
15. The Weather In Arizona Leans Toward The Extremes
Arizona undergoes dramatic seasonal variations. Arizona has unmatched weather conditions.
The record for the most days in a year above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) is held by Phoenix, Arizona. On the other end of the spectrum, however, Flagstaff, Arizona, has the most days below freezing, at least in the lower 48 states.
Arizona is a state that encompasses more than just the Grand Canyon, as you can see. It's much more than that, and no matter where you look, it never fails to surprise you. Just be cautious when walking and be aware of any potential rattlesnakes!
FAQ's About Interesting Facts About Arizona
What Makes Arizona Special?
What makes Arizona stand apart from the rest? No other US state has the formidable saguaro cactus growing there. It is native to Sonora, Mexico, which is also the name of the Sonoran Desert. As you approach the Colorado River Valley, the enormous cactus thin down and eventually stop.
What Makes Arizona State Unique?
Consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the country's most innovative school, Arizona State University also takes the top spot in the nation for sustainability (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System) and global influence (Times Higher Education).
Why Is Arizona Growing In Popularity?
Because of Arizona's brighter weather, less congested cities, and less cost of living, people are moving there from California. There's also a thriving job market.
Conclusion
Arizona stands as a testament to the wonders of the American Southwest, boasting a tapestry of captivating landscapes and rich cultural heritage. From the iconic Grand Canyon, carved over millions of years by the Colorado River, to the surreal beauty of the Sonoran Desert adorned with towering saguaro cacti, Arizona never fails to astound visitors with its natural splendor.
Moreover, the state's diverse history, encompassing ancient Native American civilizations, Spanish colonial influences, and the adventurous spirit of the Wild West, adds layers of intrigue to its allure.
Latest Articles
Popular Articles