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Journey back in time to Arizona, USA

Explore Arizona, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.

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Arizona, USA -  Arizona, USA - Phoenix, Maricopa, Arizona, USA  Hotel Adams and Valley National Bank Building

"Land of extremes. Land of contrasts. Land of surprises. Land of contradictions. A land that is never to be fully understood but always to be loved...That is Arizona." Federal Writers' Project, Arizona
The World Almanac of the U.S.A, by Allan Carpenter and Carl Provorse, 1996

Arizona observes Mountain Standard Time on a year round basis. The one exception is the Navajo Nation, located in the northeast corner of the state, which observes the daylight savings time change.
50states.com

"There are two sides in the argument over the origin of Arizona's name. One side says that the name comes from the Basque aritz onak (“good oak”) and was applied to the territory because the oak trees reminded the Basque settlers in the area of their homeland. The other side says that the name comes from the Spanish Arizonac, which was derived from the O'odham (the language of the native Pima people) word ali ?ona-g (“having a little spring”), which might refer to actual springs or a site near rich veins of silver discovered in 1736." mentalfloss.com




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Arizona Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Arizona, USA - Phoenix, Maricopa, Arizona, USA 
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Arizona, USA - Sedona, Coconino, Arizona, USA
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Prescott, Yavapai, Arizona, USA
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"Since 1927, when writers and artists were drawn to the stunning landscapes of the American Southwest, the Hassayampa Inn has been the "Grand Jewel of Prescott," a fashionable resort for the well-heeled. Georgia O'Keefe stayed here. So did D.H. Lawrence, Clark Gable, Greta Garbo, Tom Mix, and Will Rogers." (www.facebook.com/ HassayampaInn/ about/ )
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Discover Arizona: History, News, Travel, and Stories

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1821 - All of Arizona governed by Mexico

www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ aztimeln.htm
1846 - The Mexican-American War began
In 1846, the Mexican-American War began as a result of tensions between the United States and Mexico over territorial disputes. The conflict stemmed from the annexation of Texas by the United States in 1845, which Mexico still considered part of its territory despite losing it in the Texas Revolution a decade earlier. The U.S. President at the time, James K. Polk, sought to acquire not only Texas but also vast territories to the west, including California and New Mexico, through diplomatic means. However, negotiations failed, and in April 1846, a skirmish occurred between Mexican and American troops along the Rio Grande, leading to the outbreak of hostilities.

The war lasted for nearly two years, marked by significant battles such as the Battle of Palo Alto, the Battle of Monterrey, and the Battle of Buena Vista. The conflict was characterized by American military superiority, with the U.S. forces achieving several decisive victories. The war officially ended in 1848 with the... Read MORE...

1848 - The Mexican-American War ended; most of the land became part of the United States of America

www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ aztimeln.htm
1854 - Copper discovered in Arizona
In 1854, the discovery of copper in Arizona marked a significant moment in the region's history, ultimately shaping its economic and social landscape. The find ignited a rush of prospectors and miners seeking to capitalize on the valuable metal, leading to the establishment of numerous mining camps and towns in the area. This discovery played a pivotal role in the development of Arizona's mining industry, which would later become one of the state's major economic drivers.

The discovery of copper in 1854 also had broader implications beyond Arizona, as the demand for copper grew with the expansion of industrialization in the United States. The copper mined in Arizona played a crucial role in supplying the growing demand for the metal, which was used in various industries, including telecommunications, electrical wiring, and construction.
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ aztimeln.htm
1858 - Gold found in the Gila River
In 1858, a significant event occurred along the banks of the Gila River in Arizona, when gold was discovered in the region. This discovery sparked a rush of prospectors and fortune-seekers to the area, as news of the find quickly spread. The prospectors, many of whom were already drawn to the western territories by the California Gold Rush, now turned their attention to this new site in hopes of striking it rich.

The discovery of gold along the Gila River had profound effects on the region. Towns sprung up almost overnight to support the influx of miners and their needs, leading to the rapid growth of local economies. This event also played a role in the broader narrative of westward expansion in the United States, as it further incentivized migration and settlement in the western territories.
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ aztimeln.htm
1863 -Prior to President Abraham Lincoln signing the Arizona Organic Act on February 24, 1863 to create Arizona Territory, Arizona was part of the territory of New Mexico.

www.ereferencedesk.com/ resources /state-facts/ arizona.html
1869 - John Wesley Powell explored the Grand Canyon by boat along the Colorado River

www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ aztimeln.htm
1876 - The Chiricahua Apache chief Geronimo began ten years of raids against white settlements when the US government attempted to move his tribe from their traditional home in Arizona to a reservation in New Mexico.

www.ereferencedesk.com/ resources/s tate-facts/ arizona.html
1881 - The first railroad crossed the state of Arizona
In 1881, the first railroad crossed the state of Arizona, marking a significant milestone in the region's history and opening up new opportunities for transportation and trade. The railroad, known as the Southern Pacific Railroad, connected Arizona to the broader network of railroads in the United States, facilitating the movement of goods and people across the country. This development played a crucial role in the growth and development of Arizona, providing a faster and more efficient means of transportation than the previous reliance on stagecoaches and wagons.

The arrival of the railroad had a profound impact on Arizona's economy and settlement patterns. It allowed for the easier transport of goods such as copper, which was abundant in the region, leading to the growth of mining towns and industries. The railroad also spurred the development of towns along its route, as businesses and communities sprang up to support the railway and its passengers.
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ aztimeln.htm
1881 - October 26 – The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral occurs in Tombstone, Cochise County, Arizona, USA.
The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, which took place on October 26, 1881, in Tombstone, Arizona, is one of the most famous Wild West shootouts in American history. The confrontation involved lawmen, Wyatt Earp, and his brothers, along with Doc Holliday, facing off against a group of outlaws known as the Cowboys. The conflict stemmed from a long-standing feud between the Earps and the Cowboys, fueled by personal and political tensions.

The shootout lasted only about 30 seconds but resulted in several casualties. Three members of the Cowboys were killed, including Billy Clanton and Tom and Frank McLaury. Wyatt Earp and his brothers, along with Doc Holliday, emerged victorious but faced legal scrutiny and public opinion over their actions. The gunfight became a symbol of the lawlessness of the Wild West and has been immortalized in numerous books, films, and legends, shaping the perception of the American frontier.
October 26, 1881
1886 - September 4 – American Indian Wars: After almost 30 years of fighting, Apache leader Geronimo surrenders with his last band of warriors to General Nelson Miles at Skeleton Canyon in Arizona.
In 1886, after nearly three decades of conflict and resistance against American expansion into their lands, the Apache leader Geronimo surrendered to General Nelson Miles, marking the end of the American Indian Wars. Geronimo had been a prominent figure in the Apache resistance, leading raids against settlers and the U.S. Army in an effort to defend his people's traditional way of life. However, after years of pursuit by U.S. forces, dwindling supplies, and the loss of many of his followers, Geronimo finally chose to surrender.

The surrender took place at Skeleton Canyon in Arizona on September 4, 1886. Geronimo's surrender marked a significant moment in American history, symbolizing the end of an era of conflict and the beginning of a new chapter in the relationship between the U.S. government and Native American tribes. Geronimo and his band of warriors were eventually sent as prisoners of war to Florida, then later to Alabama and finally to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where Geronimo... Read MORE...

1888 - An Apache Indian at San Carlos, A. T., got drunk on the 21st, killed his wife and child, and was shot by a sergeant of the guard.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
January 28, 1888
1892 - A Society Woman's Notes
Card cases are made to match gowns.

Crocodile skin shoes for young women will be one of the fashions in footwear this summer.

The latest whim for the owners of dogs is to make them wear shoes in the house for the purpose of protecting the polished floors. They are made of chamois, with leather soles.

Modern belles may get a suggestion from a statement recently encountered that the eighteenth century ladies carried a lemon in the left hand, setting their teeth in it from time to time to redden their lips.

Pale green stationery with address In dark green is a fashion of the moment in writing paper that is really handsome. Rose, yellow and heliotrope are also shown in very pale shades with the lettering always in a darker shade of the same color.
Tombstone Weekly Epitaph
Tombstone, Arizona
Sun., July 17, 1892
1895 - Arizona
Arizo'na, a territory of the United States, bordering on Mexico, is bounded N. by Utah and Nevada, E. by New Mexico, S. by Mexico, and W. by California and Nevada. The 37th degree of N. lat, is its northern, and the 109th degree of W. Lon. its eastern limit, and nearly all the border is washed by the navigable Rio Colorado of the West. Area, 113,020 square miles...
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
1897 - Thanksgiving Advice
Cromatlc Notes.

The list of "don'ts" printed below will, it is hoped, be found particularly fitting at this season of the year. For the benefit of those who are seeking information as to what is and what is not proper at table, it-may be stated with considerable confidence that the maxims herewith attached and made a part of the exhibit may be followed as rigidly as circumstances will permit. Here they are:

Don't eat solid food from a spoon. Use your knife.

Don't pick your teeth with your fork. It injures the silver plating.

Don't drink out of the finger-bowl. You don't know who washed his hands in it last.

Don't be in too big a hurry to reach the desert. Give the ice cream a chance to freeze.

Don't drink too much wine. Refined people always 6top short of actual inebriety.

Don't gobble, even over the turkey. It can't hear you and In all probability, wouldn't recognize your voice if it could.

Don't swear, even if the butter has a blase taste. It is... Read MORE...

1899 - May 30 – Female outlaw Pearl Hart robs a stage coach 30 miles (48 km) southeast of Globe, Arizona.
In 1899, on May 30th, a daring and unusual event took place in the Arizona desert. Pearl Hart, a female outlaw, staged a daring robbery of a stagecoach. This event occurred approximately 30 miles southeast of Globe, Arizona, adding to the lore of the American Wild West. Pearl Hart's story was particularly remarkable because of her gender, as women were not commonly associated with outlaw activities during that era.

Hart's robbery was not a typical crime of the time. She was reported to have been motivated by a desire to fund her travel to visit her sick mother. The audacity and novelty of a female outlaw committing such a crime captured the attention of the public and the media, making her a somewhat romanticized figure in the annals of Wild West history. Hart's story stands out as a unique event in the context of the American West, adding a layer of complexity and intrigue to the history of frontier life.
May 30, 1899
1911 - The Roosevelt Dam project completed
In 1911, the completion of the Roosevelt Dam marked a significant milestone in the development of water infrastructure in the United States. Located on the Salt River in Arizona, the dam was a key component of the Salt River Project, which aimed to provide reliable irrigation water to the arid region, supporting agricultural development and settlement. The project was named after President Theodore Roosevelt, who had advocated for the efficient use of natural resources and the development of water projects in the American West.

The Roosevelt Dam was a pioneering engineering achievement of its time, standing as the largest masonry dam in the world when it was completed. Its construction required the efforts of thousands of workers, including many Native American laborers. The dam's completion not only provided a stable water supply for agriculture but also facilitated the growth of cities like Phoenix and helped to control flooding along the Salt River.
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ aztimeln.htm
1912 - Arizona became the 48th State on February 14th, Valentine's Day

www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ aztimeln.htm
1918 - January 9 – U.S troops engage Yaqui Indian warriors in the Battle of Bear Valley in Arizona, a minor skirmish and the last battle between the United States and American Indians. The very end of the American Indian Wars.

wikipedia.org
January 9, 1918
1919 - Grand Canyon National Park established
In 1919, the Grand Canyon National Park was established, marking a significant milestone in the preservation of one of America's most iconic natural wonders. The park, located in Arizona, encompasses the immense and awe-inspiring Grand Canyon, carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. The establishment of the park was a result of growing recognition of the canyon's unique geological and ecological significance, as well as its stunning natural beauty.
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ aztimeln.htm
1926 - The Southern Pacific Railroad connected Arizona with the eastern states.
In 1926, the Southern Pacific Railroad achieved a significant milestone by completing the connection between Arizona and the eastern states of the United States. This momentous event marked a crucial development in the transportation infrastructure of the region, opening up new avenues for trade, travel, and communication. The completion of this rail link was a result of years of planning, construction, and investment, representing a major feat of engineering and logistics.

The connection of Arizona to the eastern states via the Southern Pacific Railroad had far-reaching implications for the economic and social landscape of the region. It facilitated the movement of goods and people, fostering economic growth and development in Arizona and the surrounding areas. Additionally, the railroad connection played a crucial role in integrating Arizona into the national transportation network, linking it more closely with the rest of the country and furthering its development as an integral ... Read MORE...

1936 - Hoover Dam completed and dedicated
The completion and dedication of the Hoover Dam in 1936 marked a significant achievement in American engineering and infrastructure. The dam, located on the border between Arizona and Nevada, was constructed during the Great Depression as part of a massive public works project aimed at providing jobs and stimulating the economy. It was named after President Herbert Hoover, who played a key role in its construction.

The Hoover Dam stands as a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. Its construction was a monumental task, requiring the diversion of the Colorado River, the pouring of millions of tons of concrete, and the creation of a massive reservoir, Lake Mead. The dam not only provided much-needed jobs during a time of economic hardship but also brought electricity and water to the arid regions of the American Southwest, transforming the landscape and enabling the growth of cities like Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ aztimeln.htm
1968 - London Bridge moved from England, to Lake Havasu City, Arizona
In 1968, an extraordinary event captured the world's attention as London Bridge, an iconic symbol of British history and architecture, was dismantled and transported from England to Lake Havasu City, Arizona. The decision to move the bridge was made by Robert P. McCulloch, an American entrepreneur, who purchased it as a tourist attraction to anchor his real estate development along the Colorado River. The bridge, originally constructed in the 1830s, was not the famed Tower Bridge often mistaken for London Bridge, but rather the more functional and less ornate London Bridge.

The process of moving the bridge was a logistical challenge of immense proportions. Each stone was meticulously numbered, and the bridge was transported 5,400 miles by ship to California and then by truck to Arizona. Upon its arrival, the bridge was reassembled over a reinforced concrete structure to ensure its stability. The relocation of London Bridge to the desert landscape of Arizona was a testament to human ... Read MORE...

1970 - September 4-6 - The greatest natural disaster of record for Arizona occurred.
Unprecedented rains caused rivers in central Arizona to rise five to ten feet per hour, sweeping cars and buildings as far as 30 to 40 miles downstream. Flooding claimed the lives of 23 persons, mainly campers, and caused millions of dollars damage. Water crested 36 feet above normal near Sunflower AZ. Workman's Creek was deluged with 11.40 inches of rain in 24 hours to establish a state record. Moisture from Pacific Tropical Storm Norma led to the severe flooding.
WeatherForYou.com


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Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Arizona:
Grand Canyon: This is a no-brainer. The Grand Canyon is one of the world's most famous natural wonders. Hike along the rim, take a mule ride, or even go white-water rafting in the Colorado River below.

Sedona: Known for its stunning red rock formations, Sedona is a haven for hikers and nature lovers. Don't miss the famous Cathedral Rock and the beautiful Oak Creek Canyon.

Antelope Canyon: Located near Page, this slot canyon is famous for its narrow passageways and stunning light beams. It's a photographer's dream.

Horseshoe Bend: Also near Page, this horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River is an iconic spot for photos. Be sure to bring your camera.

Monument Valley: You've likely seen it in many Western films. Take a guided tour through the dramatic red sandstone buttes and mesas.

Saguaro National Park: This park, split into two sections near Tucson, is home to thousands of towering saguaro cacti. It's a great place for hiking and stargazing.

Petrified Forest... Read MORE...


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Discover YOUR Roots: Arizona Ancestry

Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Arizona, USA

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ARIZONA Genealogy - Saguaro and Summer Meltdown Coffee Mug

Embrace your inner Arizonan with our ceramic mug, emblazoned with the caption: "I'm from Arizona! That explains a lot about my love for saguaro cacti and my knack for melting into a puddle during summer hikes." This mug is a tribute to the unique charm and quirks of life in the Grand Canyon State.

Patriotic Memories: Memorial Day Vintage Postcard Coffee Mug

Remembering the Brave, Honoring the Fallen Celebrate the spirit of Memorial Day with this stunning ceramic coffee mug featuring vintage postcards commemorating the holiday. Perfect for honoring the brave men and women who served, this mug is both a functional keepsake and a nostalgic work of art. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee or enjoying an afternoon tea, this dishwasher-safe and microwave-friendly mug is a timeless way to show your patriotism. Ideal as a gift for veterans, history buffs, or anyone who cherishes American traditions, this mug makes Memorial Day even more meaningful.
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Updated: 1/27/2025 5:46:07 PM