Marcos de Niza, a Spanish Franciscan friar, was the first European to explore Arizona. He entered the area in 1539 in search of the mythical Seven Cities of Gold. Although he was followed a year later by another gold seeker, Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, most of the early settlement was for missionary purposes. In 1775 the Spanish established Fort Tucson. In 1848, after the Mexican War, most of the Arizona territory became part of the U.S., and the southern portion of the territory was added by the Gadsden Purchase in 1853.

Arizona history is rich in legends of America's Old West. It was here that the great Indian chiefs Geronimo and Cochise led their people against the frontiersmen. Tombstone, Ariz., was the site of the West's most famous shoot-out—the gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Today, Arizona has one of the largest U.S. Indian populations; more than 14 tribes are represented on 20 reservations.

Manufacturing has become Arizona's most important industry. Principal products include electrical, communications, and aeronautical items. The state produces over half of the country's copper. Agriculture is also important to the state's economy. Top commodities are cattle and calves, dairy products, and cotton. In 1973 one of the world's most massive dams, the New Cornelia Tailings, was completed near Ajo.

State attractions include the Grand Canyon, the Petrified Forest, the Painted Desert, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Fort Apache, and the reconstructed London Bridge at Lake Havasu City.

Apache Kid: Indian Outlaw;

Erma Bombeck: Humorist and Writer;

Glen Campbell: Singer;

Lynda Carter: Actress;

Cesar Chavez: Labor Leader;

Cochise Apache Chief;

Alice Cooper Singer and Songwriter;

Wyatt Earp Marshall;

Max Ernst Painter;

Geronimo (Goyathlay) Apache Chief;

Barry Goldwater Politician;

Zane Grey Novelist;

Carl Trumbull Hayden Politician;

George W. P. Hunt First State Governor;

Bill Keane Cartoonist;

Eusebio Kino Missionary;

Percival Lowell Astronomer;

Erma BombeckFrank Luke, Jr. WWI Fighter Ace;

Charles Mingus Jazz Musician and Composer;

Carlos Montezuma Doctor and Indian Spokesman;

Stevie Nicks Singer;

Sandra Day O'Connor Jurist;

William O'Neill Frontier Sheriff;

Alexander M. Patch General;

William H. Pickering Astronomer;

Linda Ronstadt Singer;

Paolo Soleri Architect;

Clyde W. Tombaugh Astronomer;

Tanya Tucker Singer;

Stewart Udall Secretary of the Interior;

Pauline Weaver Frontier Person;

Frank Lloyd Wright Architect.

Capital: Phoenix

Governor: Janet Napolitano, D (to Jan. 2007)

Senators: Jon Kyl, R (to Jan. 2007); John McCain, R(to Jan. 2005)

Secy. of State: Jan Brewer, R (to Jan. 2007)

Atty. General: Terry Goddard, D (to Jan. 2007)

Treasurer: David Petersen, R (to Jan. 2007)

Organized as territory: Feb. 24, 1863

Entered Union (rank): Feb. 14, 1912 (48)

Present constitution adopted: 1911

Motto: Ditat Deus (God enriches)

State Symbols: Flower: Flower of Saguaro Cactus (1931)

Bird: Cactus Wren (1931)

Colors: Blue and Old Gold (1915)

Song: “Arizona” (1919)

Tree: Palo Verde (1954)

Neckwear: Bola Tie (1971)

Fossil: Petrified Wood (1988)

Gemstone: Turquoise (1974)

Mammal: Ringtail (1986)

Reptile: Arizona Ridgenose Rattlesnake (1986)

Fish: Arizona Trout (1986)

Amphibian: Arizona Tree Frog (1986)

Butterfly: Two-Tailed Swallowtail (2001)

Nickname: Grand Canyon State

Origin of name: From the Indian “Arizonac,” meaning “little spring” or “young spring”

10 largest cities (2000): Phoenix, 1,321,045; Tucson, 486,699; Mesa, 396,375; Glendale, 218,812; Scottsdale, 202,705; Chandler, 176,581; Tempe, 158,625; Gilbert, 109,697; Peoria, 108,364; Yuma, 77,515

Land area: 113,635 sq mi. (294,315 sq km)

Geographic center: In Yavapai Co., 55 mi. ESE of Prescott

Number of counties: 15

Largest county by population and area: Maricopa, 3,194,798 (2001); Coconino, 18,562 sq mi.

State parks: 28

Residents: Arizonan, Arizonian

2002 resident population est.: 5,456,453

2000 resident census population (rank): 5,130,632 (20). Male: 2,561,057 (49.9%); Female: 2,569,575 (50.1%). White: 3,873,611 (75.5%); Black: 158,873 (3.1%); American Indian: 255,879 (5.0%); Asian: 92,236 (1.8%); Other race: 596,774 (11.6%); Two or more races: 146,526 (2.9%); Hispanic/Latino: 1,295,617 (25.3%). 2000 percent population 18 and over: 73.4; 65 and over: 13.0; median age: 34.2.

Arizona

Written by Margaret Rowe Clifford

Composed by Maurice Blumenthal

Come to this land of sunshine To this land where life is young. Where the wide, wide world is waiting, The songs that will now be sung. Where the golden sun is flaming Into warm, white shining day, And the sons of men are blazing Their priceless right of way.

Come stand beside the rivers Within our valley broad. Stand here with heads uncovered, In the presence of our God! While all around, about us The brave, unconquered band, As guardians and landmarks The giant mountains stand.

Not alone for gold and silver Is Arizona great. But with graves of heroes sleeping, All the land is consecrate! O, come and live beside us However far ye roam Come and help us build up temples And name those temples "home."

CHORUS:

Sing the song that's in your hearts Sing of the great Southwest, Thank God, for Arizona In splendid sunshine dressed. For thy beauty and thy grandeur, For thy regal robes so sheen We hail thee Arizona Our Goddess and our queen.

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