Arizona | United States of America

Arizona’s history spans from ancient civilizations to its current status as a rapidly growing technological and retirement hub. It is famously known for its "5 Cs", Copper, Cattle, Cotton, Citrus, and Climate, which defined its early economy. 

• 48th State: Arizona was admitted to the Union on February 14, 1912.

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Timeline

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Pre-Columbian Era

• Ancient Cultures: For thousands of years, Arizona was home to societies like the Hohokam, Mogollon, and Ancestral Puebloans. They built massive stone pueblos and intricate irrigation canals.

• Oldest Inhabited Settlement: The Hopi village of Oraibi, founded around 1100 AD, is considered the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the U.S..

• Nomadic Arrivals: Tribes such as the Apache and Navajo migrated into the region between 1100 and 1500 CE.

1539–1853

Spanish and Mexican Periods  

• European Contact: Spanish exploration began in 1539 with Marcos de Niza, followed by Coronado in 1540.

• Missions & Presidios: Father Eusebio Kino established a chain of missions in the late 1600s, including San Xavier del Bac. To protect these, Spain built forts (presidios) at Tubac (1752) and Tucson (1775).

• Mexican Rule: Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821, and Arizona became part of the Mexican state of Sonora. 

  
  

1848–1911

U.S. Acquisition & Territorial Days

• Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848): Following the Mexican-American War, the U.S. acquired the land north of the Gila River.

• Gadsden Purchase (1853): The U.S. bought the southern strip of Arizona from Mexico to secure a route for a transcontinental railroad.

• Civil War: Arizona was briefly claimed by the Confederacy (1862). The westernmost battle of the war took place at Picacho Pass.

• Territorial Creation: In 1863, President Lincoln signed the act creating the Arizona Territory, splitting it from New Mexico.

• The "Wild West" Era: This period was marked by major mining booms (gold in Prescott, silver in Tombstone, copper in Bisbee) and conflicts like the O.K. Corral shootout. 

1912–Present

Statehood & Modern Era

• 48th State: Arizona was admitted to the Union on February 14, 1912.

• World War II Impact: The state served as a training ground for pilots and housed German POW camps and Japanese-American internment camps.

• Post-War Boom: The widespread availability of air conditioning after 1945 led to a population explosion as retirees and families moved from the East and Midwest.

• Current Economy: While the original "5 Cs" remain culturally significant, the modern economy is driven by high-tech manufacturing, aerospace, tourism, and services. 

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Arizona's "Capital on Wheels"

Mining → Rail → Political Power (1863–1889)

• Prescott (1864–1867, 1877–1889) Chosen first because it was closer to mining interests and considered safer from Confederate influence.

• Tucson (1867–1877) Moved south due to political pressure and population shifts, especially from Southern settlers.

• Phoenix (1889–present) Became the permanent capital thanks to its central location, growing economy, and rail access.

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1863–1864 | TERRITORY CREATED

Context

• Arizona Territory formed during the Civil War

• Federal priority: security + resource control

Power Base

• Northern Arizona mining camps

• Union-aligned leadership

Capital Established

• Prescott (1864)

Why

• Close to mines

• Safer from Confederate influence

• Aligned with federal authority

1864–1867 | MINING DOMINANCE

Economic Engine

• Gold & copper extraction

• Rise of northern elites tied to Jerome & Bradshaw Mountains

Key Capital Interests

• United Verde Copper Company

• Backed by eastern & West Coast capital

Political Reality

• Capital sits where money + security converge

1867–1877 | POPULATION PUSHBACK

Demographic Shift

• Southern Arizona holds most residents

• Tucson = largest city

Capital Moves

• Tucson (1867)

Why

• Population pressure

• Southern Democratic resurgence

• Trade routes to Mexico

Tension

• North views move as loss of industrial control

• South sees Prescott as elite capture

1877–1889 | MINING STRIKES BACK

Northern Reassertion

• Mining wealth still dominates tax base

• Rail planning favors northern corridors

Capital Returns

• Prescott (1877)

What Changed

• Little—Prescott still isolated

• Rail + settlement patterns now shifting south-central

1880s | THE RAIL + IRRIGATION TURN

New Power Equation

• Railroads connect regions

• Salt River Valley irrigation proves permanence

Emerging Center

• Farms, families, schools

• Infrastructure > extraction

1889 | CAPITAL LOCKS IN

Permanent Capital

• Phoenix (1889–Present)

Why Phoenix Wins

• Central geography

• Rail connectivity

• Agricultural sustainability

• Neutral political identity

Result

• Capital stops moving

• Arizona shifts from extraction zone → society