Arizona is the 48th State Admitted to the Union | World History Project Arizona is the 48th State Admitted to the Union Arizona became a U.S. state on February 14, 1912. The major result being the end to the territorial colonization of Continental America. Arizona was the 48th state admitted into the U.S. and the last of the contiguous states to be admitted. The admission, originally scheduled to coincide with that of New Mexico, was delayed by Democrats in the territorial legislature to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Arizona becoming a Confederate territory in 1862. Source: Wikipedia Added by: Brian Hand New Mexico became a state on January 6, 1912, and Arizona became a state on February 14, 1912. Thus, two stars were added to our flag in 1912 on July 4th signifying that two new states were added to the 46-star flag then. That flag lasted exactly 47 years from July 4, 1912, through July 4, 1959.

Source: State of Michigan, Journal of the Senate, 94th Legislature, Regular Session of 2007 Added by: Brian Hand George W. P. Hunt, Arizona businessman, territorial legislator, President of Arizona's Constitutional Convention of 1910 and the state's first governor, was born in Huntsville, Missouri, November 1, 1859. He arrived in Globe, Gila County, Arizona in 1881 where he eventually became President and part owner of the Old Dominion Commercial Company. On February 24, 1904 he married Helen Duett Ellison in Holbrook, Arizona. They had one daughter, Virginia. Hunt was elected to the Territorial House in 1893 and 1895 and to the Territorial Council in 1897, 1899, 1905, 1907 and 1909. He served as Council President during his 1905 and 1909 terms. A major player in efforts to obtain statehood, Hunt presided over Arizona's 1910 Constitutional Convention.

While President of the Convention, he supported the inclusion of the initiative. Elected governor in December 1911, he took his oath of office February 14, 1912-- the first day of statehood. Arizonans re-elected him six more times. He served from February 1912 to January 1917 when Thomas Edward Campbell defeated him in a bitterly contested election. In the summer of 1917, President Woodrow Wilson appointed Hunt as a federal labor conciliator during increasing labor unrest in the mining industry. Hunt's comments regarding the Bisbee Deportation were seen by many Arizonans as sympathetic to the International Workers of the World (I.W.W.) Hunt eventually ousted Campbell from office following a year-long battle in the courts to determine which of the two had actually won the governorship. Hunt then served from December 1917 to January 1919. President Wilson appointed him the Minister of Siam during the years 1920-1922.

Upon his return, Hunt again served as governor from January 1923 to January 1929 and a final term from January 1931 to January 1933. Previous to his defeat in the 1932 primary, Hunt had won the Democratic nomination in every primary he had entered. He lost the Democratic primary again in 1934. He died in Phoenix on December 24, 1934. During his long career, Hunt promoted many progressive agendas including the establishment of a merit system for state employees, prison and labor reform, woman's suffrage, the abolition of capital punishment, child labor laws, workers compensation and old age pensions, direct democracy by means of the initiative and referendum and citizen recall of judges. He fought hard for Arizona's portion of Colorado River water, refusing to sign the Colorado River Compact. New Mexico is the 47th State Admitted to the Union | World History Project Jan 6 1912 New Mexico is the 47th State Admitted to the Union Struggle for Statehood In no part of the United States has there ever been such a protracted struggle for self-government as in New Mexico.

In no other case has statehood been so long withheld. Perhaps nowhere in history is there such a series of failures, in what at the time seemed almost certainty, through unlooked for and often insignificant causes. Statehood was almost attained in 1850; it was lost by a handshake in 1875, by a sudden impetuous word in 1889, by a shiver of malaria and a miscalculation of time in 1894. The struggle for statehood began almost as soon as the American occupation. In the speeches and proclamations of Governor Kearny language was used which aroused hope, if it did not give promise, of self-government. In the first address in front of the palace, on August 19, 1846, he announced the intention to "establish a civil government on a republican basis similar to those of our own States." The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was finally signed early in 1848, and proclaimed at Washington on July 4th, and some action regarding the newly acquired territory was anxiously awaited.

The advice of the president was that the people should '' live peaceably and quietly under the existing government for a few months" until Congress could act deliberately and wisely. Hon. Thomas H. Benton, then in the height of his influence and power as senator from Missouri, was greatly interested in the condition of the new domain, and especially of New Mexico. Under date of August 28, 1848, he addressed an open letter to the people of California and New Mexico, in which he advised them "to meet in convention, provide for a cheap and simple government, and take care of yourselves until Congress can provide for you.'' The advice of Senator Benton was quickly followed. New Mexico was without any legal government, since the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo had ended the regime of military occupation, and the continuance of the de facto military authority was but a temporary makeshift justifiable by the peculiar conditions. The people were anxious for almost any form of government which would be regular in form and civil in character.

Under call from Governor Vigil, a convention was held at Santa Fe on October 10, 1848, and organized by the election of Antonio Jose Martinez, of Taos (the celebrated Padre Martinez), as president. Francisco Sarracino, who had been governor of New Mexico under the Mexican regime, in 1834, Governor Vigil, James Quinn, and Juan Perea were appointed a committee to draft a memorial to Congress expressing the views of the convention. They reported a form of petition, which was unanimously adopted, which looked to the immediate establishment of a territorial government. Nothing resulted from the action of this convention, and the people continued to be very restless under the irregular authority of the military commanders. They were divided into two parties, one anxious for statehood, and the other believing that a regular territorial organization was all that could be obtained and that therefore their efforts should be bent in that direction. First State Convention In the spring of 1849, James S. Calhoun, afterwards the first governor under the organic act, was sent to New Mexico as Indian agent, but with semi-official instructions to favor the organization of a state government.

In this he was actively aided by Manuel Alvarez, Angney, Pillans, etc., while Ceran St. Vrain, Judge Houghton, Carlos Beaubien, etc., favored a territorial form of government. Subsequently all parties united in the desire for a constitutional convention, and an important meeting was held in Santa Fe on April 20, 1850, where resolutions to that effect were adopted, and Colonel Munroe, then military governor, was requested to issue a proclamation calling for an election of delegates. This he did in April, 1850, and a regular constitutional convention was elected, and commenced its session on May 15, 1850. James H. Quinn was elected president of the convention. The convention sat for ten days and succeeded in formulating a constitution which all concede to be an admirable instrument. The two features which naturally attract most attention are the clear declaration against slavery in the new state, and the appreciation shown of the value of public education. Besides the section of the constitution forever prohibiting slavery in New Mexico, there was a strong paragraph on that subject in the accompanying address, showing that slavery had always been the curse of the communities in which it existed.

It should never be forgotten that this first constitutional convention in New Mexico, in which native New Mexicans composed over ninety per cent of the membership, took this high ground and maintained it courageously, although by so doing they were placing in jeopardy their own right to self-government. On May 28th, Colonel Munroe, the military governor, issued his proclamation calling for an election on the adoption of the constitution to be held on June 20th, and also a vote on a separate ballot for governor and state officers. There was no real contest over the constitution, which seems to have been universally approved; the vote in favor of its adoption being 8,371 against 39 opposed. But for state and local officers there was the usual political contest. The candidates for governor and lieutenant or vice-governor on one ticket were Henry Connelly, a well-known merchant of the Santa Fe Trail, and Manuel Alvarez, for many years United States consul at Santa Fe; while opposed to them were Tomas Cabeza de Baca and Ceran St. Vrain. A few of the ballots used at this first state election are still in existence, in the collection of the New Mexico Historical Society, and are written on paper of uniform size.

Connelly and Alvarez were elected by a considerable majority. The legislature met on the 4th of July and continued in session over a week. It elected Francis A. Cunningham and Richard H. Weightman, United States senators; made various appointments, ordered an election for local officials in August, and proceeded to enact general legislation. This was entirely contrary to the language of Governor Munroe's proclamation, and assumed that the state was actually established, and its government fully organized, without any congressional action. A controversy immediately arose between Alvarez, acting as state governor while Connelly was absent in the East, and Colonel Munroe, the military and civil governor of the territory. Both were able men and sustained their respective positions with vigor. However, any real conflict was avoided, until the news arrived by the slow mails across the plains that Congress had passed the so-called compromise measures of 1850, which settled the whole matter. Under their provisions California was admitted as a free state; New Mexico and Utah, covering all the remaining area acquired from Mexico, were made into territories, with no mention of slavery; Texas abandoned her claim on New Mexico east of the Rio Grande, and received a large compensation therefore.

The next formal action looking towards statehood was early in 1866, when the legislature passed an act authorizing the governor to call a constitutional convention, to be elected on the first Monday in March and to meet in the city of Santa Fe; the constitution formulated to be submitted to a vote of the people on the fourth Monday in June. Apparently nothing of a practical nature was accomplished under this law. On February 3, 1870, the legislature passed an act providing for an election to be held on the first Monday in October of that year for the purpose of submitting a state constitution and electing the state officers and legislature provided therein, but nothing seems to have resulted from this attempt to secure self-government, To remedy this failure, the succeeding legislature took up the subject early in the session and passed a bill which was approved by the governor on February 1, 1872, entitled "An Act providing for a General Election for the Purpose of Submitting to a Vote of the People a State Constitution and State Officers." The constitution that was thus submitted was printed in a pamphlet of forty-seven pages and was a comprehensive and well arranged document, creditable to those who prepared and adopted it.

On the day after the election the Daily New Mexican said, "The election yesterday passed off very quietly, only about half of the vote being polled." The next day there appeared in the New Mexican an editorial article, evidently inspired by Governor Giddings, which gave a reason or rather an excuse for letting the whole subject drop. So this attempt at statehood, which occupied the attention of two legislatures, and caused a constitution to be prepared, printed, approved by the legislature, and submitted to the people at a special election held solely for that purpose, died without any good cause; and another of the unfortunate accidents which have retarded the progress of New Mexico was added to the list. Congressional Action While these proceedings had been taken in New Mexico, on almost every available occasion, 'Congress had been no less active in considering the subject. At almost every session a bill for the admission of New Mexico was introduced, generally reported favorably in the House, and more or less considered, but without any definite result. In 1869 an attempt was made, though not by New Mexicans, to transform the territory into a state' called Lincoln; but this project was ultimately defeated in the Senate. In the 40th Congress, Delegate J.

Francisco Chaves made a vigorous and eloquent speech in favor of statehood and in defense of the people against unjust criticism. In the 43d Congress (1873-5) the enabling act was introduced by Hon. Stephen B. Elkins, then delegate from New Mexico, and on the 21st of May, 1874, he delivered a carefully prepared speech on the bill, which contained the best collection of facts and arguments on the subject that had ever been presented to Congress. The bill passed the House by the remarkable vote of 160 to 54 and was sent to the Senate for concurrence. In that body it finally passed on February 24, 1875, by the decisive majority of 32 to 11, with a slight amendment. It was then that the series of misadventures which had accompanied all the attempts to secure New Mexican statehood from the beginning culminated in the incident which has become historic as the "Elkins handshake,'' and again dashed the cup of success from the very lips of the people of the territory.

When the bill was returned to the House, after passing the Senate with amendments, but ten days of the session remained, and the difficulty was to get the bill before the House for action within this brief and busy time. To suspend the rules required a two-thirds vote, and this was necessary if the bill was to be considered at all. Just at this time, Hon. Julius C. Burrows, of Michigan, made a powerful speech on political subjects, in which he characterized the Rebellion and those engaged in it in plain terms — which at that period, on account of its allusions to the war, was called a "bloody shirt" speech. Mr. Elkins, who had been conversing with friends in the lobby, had not heard a word of the speech, but happened to reenter the chamber just as Mr. Burrows had concluded and was receiving the congratulations of a crowd of members about him. Filled with his spirit of cordiality, Mr. Elkins joined the group and shook hands with the speaker with characteristic vigor.

This was observed by a number of Southern members whose feelings had been much excited by the speech, and they instantly concluded that they would lend no aid to the passage of the New Mexico bill which it was understood would bring Mr. Elkins speedily to the Senate. The delegate did what he could in the brief interval to repair the damage, but a sufficient number of former supporters from Georgia and Alabama refused to be placated, thus making it impossible to obtain the two-thirds vote necessary; and so the enabling act was lost. In the succeeding Congress (the 44th) Mr. Elkins again secured the introduction of the enabling act for New Mexico, and it passed the Senate during its first session, 011 March 10, 1876, by the strong vote of 35 to 15. In the House of Representatives it was reported favorably by the committee on territories, and was on the calendar, awaiting action at the time of the final adjournment. After these virtual defeats, although in no case was there an actual vote adverse to New Mexico, and the retirement of Mr. Elkins as delegate, no active efforts looking to statehood were made for several years.

Early in the session of the 50th Congress, which met in December, 1887, a bill was introduced "To provide for the formation and admission into the Union of the States of Washington, Dakota, Montana and New Mexico." Accompanying this bill was a very voluminous report, or series of reports, covering 145 pages and regarding the four territories affected by it. The minority report, presented by Mr. Struble of Iowa, attracted much attention, and aroused great indignation in New Mexico, on account of its violent opposition to our admission to statehood, and the bitter attack on the territory and its people. The subject was discussed at length, both in and out of Congress, and the result was the elimination of New Mexico and the admission of the two Dakotas, of Washington, and Montana. On the 6th day of January, 1890, Mr. Springer, of Illinois, introduced a bill "To enable the people of Arizona, Idaho, New Mexico, and Wyoming, to form constitutions and State governments and to be admitted into the Union,'' etc.

In this case, again, the Southwest was neglected and the Northwest was favored; for before the passage of the bill Arizona and New Mexico, though by far the oldest of the four territories named, and New Mexico being also the most populous, were eliminated from it. They were thus left in the territorial condition, while Idaho and Wyoming, with a combined population less than that of New Mexico alone, were admitted. In the 52d Congress (1891-3), Mr. Joseph again introduced an enabling act, known as House Bill 7136. He succeeded in securing a favorable report from the committee on territories, and by courtesy was appointed to make the report himself, which he did on March 16, 1892. The bill passed the House on June 6th and reached the Senate June 8, 1892, but had the usual fate of failing to pass that body. In the 53d Congress, Hon. Antonio Joseph was again a delegate from New Mexico, and introduced a statehood bill at the earliest possible opportunity of the first session.

This bill passed the House on the 28th of June, 1894, and in the senate was referred to the committee on territories. As usual, the session proved too short for action on the bill, so it suffered the fate of its predecessors. Constitution Of 1890 While Congress was discussing one of these numerous bills, without result, the people of New Mexico determined to take the matter into their own hands and initiate the necessary proceedings for admission to the Union. In February, 1889, Hon. George W. Prichard introduced in the Council'' An Act to Provide for a Constitutional Convention and the Formation of a State Constitution." The bill provided for a delegate convention to be held in September, 1889, for the purpose of framing a constitution. The convention was to be composed of 73 delegates, who were apportioned by the bill among the various counties, and were to be chosen at an election on the first Tuesday in August. It was to frame a constitution and provide for a special election at which such constitution should be submitted to the people for ratification.

This bill was passed by both houses, but the governor failed to approve it, as he considered the apportionment objectionable; but he did not veto it, and it became a law by limitation, February 28, 1889. The Democrats, as a rule, under peremptory orders from Mr. Childers, chairman of their committee, refused to nominate candidates or participate in the election. A very few men of sufficient influence or independence to disregard the commands of the party leaders united with the Republicans in the campaign, Hon. L. S. Trimble, long a member of Congress from Kentucky, being the most conspicuous example. The convention met on September 3, 1889, elected J. Francisco Chaves as president, and continued in session till September 21st. The constitution was then printed in both English and Spanish and circulated widely throughout the territory. After an adjournment of nearly an entire year the convention reassembled on August 18,1890, and provided for the submission of the constitution to a vote of the people on October 7, 1890.

At the election the constitution was defeated by a vote of 16,180 to 7,493. This adverse vote had no effect on the efforts of the people for self-government, and all parties proceeded as before in endeavoring to secure admission through an enabling act of Congress. Congressional Action Again In the 54th Congress (1895), Mr. Joseph was succeeded by Hon. Thomas B. Catron. He had always been an active friend of statehood and lost no time in introducing an enabling act. The history of the struggle during the next ten years presents a succession of attempts, regularly begun at the opening of each new Congress, carried on with more or less vigor, with apparent excellent prospects of success, usually resulting in the passage of the bill by the House of Representatives and its reference in the Senate to the committee on territories.

Sometimes there would be public hearings by a committee; usually the delegate would make at least one speech, begging for tardy justice to his people, and then at some stage of the procedure, either in the House or in the Senate, either in committee or on the floor, a snag was encountered, and the bill died at the end of the session because it could not overcome the obstacle in time. Mr. Catron was succeeded as delegate by Hon. H. B. Fergusson in the 55th Congress, and he, by Hon. Pedro Perea in the 56th. Hon. Bernard S. Rodey was delegate from New Mexico in both the 57th and 58th Congresses, which extended from 1901 to 1905. To say that he was devoted to the cause of statehood is to state the case mildly. He was enthusiastically devoted to it. He set before himself as the one great object to be attained during his congressional service, the passage of an enabling act for New Mexico. Everything else was subordinated to it, in order that this particular matter could have undivided attention.

But even his enthusiasm could not produce the desired effect; and the sessions were barren of result. In 1905, Hon. W. H. Andrews became delegate from New Mexico, and took up the work of the struggle where it had been left by his predecessor. Mr. Andrews was no less anxious for statehood than Mr. Rodey; but his method of operation was entirely different. He was never known to make a regular "speech," except of the shortest description; but as a quiet and convincing conversationalist he had few equals. His close connection with Senators Quay and Penrose and the Pennsylvania delegation gave him an influence that was very valuable, and which was constantly used to advance the cause of New Mexican statehood. The question of forming one state by uniting New Mexico and Arizona, became prominent at this time, the bill which elicited most debate being an enabling act for Oklahoma and the Indian Territory as one state, and for New Mexico and Arizona as one state. Joint Statehood Movement Of 1906 The idea of joint statehood for New Mexico and Arizona was distasteful in both territories. There was a good reason for this.

Nature itself had separated them by placing the great continental divide as a practical barrier between them. It seemed impossible for the Eastern mind to grasp this elemental fact. The average Eastern congressman, knowing that each territory was anxious for statehood, and really unfavorable to an increase of Western states, looked at the map, saw two squares contiguous to each other, and instantly found a satisfactory solution of the difficulty by saying: '' Why not join them together and make one oblong of them?" The opponents of Western influence saw in this an easy method to reduce the danger of too many senators; and to the ignorant and unthinking it seemed a simple and natural arrangement, and so the "joint statehood" bill was passed by Congress. What made the plan even more unpalatable to New Mexicans was the proposition to call the new state "Arizona." This showed as great an ignorance of history as the proposed union did of geography. But the joint statehood bill having been passed, the practical question was, what to do about it. The national administration in Washington was fully committed to this plan of admission.

The territories were practically threatened by the dominant powers at the national capital that if this plan for admission was rejected by the people, it would be long before any new opportunity for statehood could be obtained. In the minds of most New Mexicans it was a choice between two evils, and the intense desire to escape from the demoralizing conditions almost inseparable from the provincial system, and to enjoy the American right of self-government, prevailed with a great number of citizens. The two political organizations in New Mexico, usually too antagonistic to work harmoniously in any cause, through their territorial committees united in an appeal to the people to vote '' aye'' at the election, for joint statehood. It is probable that the almost universal belief that Arizona would vote against jointure, and that consequently New Mexico could show her desire for statehood without danger, and place herself in a favorable position for future action in Washington had influence with some. At all events, the majority in favor of admission under the joint statehood act, at the election of 1906 in New Mexico, was a very substantial one, the vote being nearly two to one in the territory and as high as ten to one in certain counties.

It was officially announced as follows: Yes 26,195 Source: Wikipedia Added by: Brian Hand William J. Mills (1910) Governor Mills came to the gubernatorial office well equipped for its duties. He had legislative experience in both houses of the Connecticut legislature, and had been chief justice of New Mexico since 1898. This experience not only gave facility in disposing of most administrative questions but a poise and tact which smoothed many difficulties. Much of his term of office was occupied by matters connected with the transition to statehood. On June 20, 1910, the enabling act was signed by the president. This was followed by the preparations for the election of a constitutional convention, and that election itself on September 6th. The governor, chief justice, and secretary constituted a commission to apportion the delegates among the respective counties, and this duty was performed on June 28th and the election proclamation was issued the next day. The convention contained 100 delegates, and as elected consisted of 71 Republicans and 29 Democrats. Charles A. Spiess, of Las Vegas, was elected president.

The convention met on October 3, 1910, was in session till November 21st, and formulated a constitution good in most of its provisions, but not containing the new theories rife at the time and then called "progressive." The section as to amendments was especially objectionable on account of the difficulties that it placed in the way of future constitutional changes. The constitution was very satisfactory in guarding with extreme care the rights of Spanish-speaking citizens. . The vote of the people on the adoption of the constitution was taken on January 21, 1911, when the result as recorded was 31,742 in favor and 13,399 against. While this is not an accurate expression of the people's will, because unfortunately in a few counties over-zealous friends of statehood prevented any ballots against the constitution being circulated or cast, yet even with a liberal calculation of the votes thus suppressed, the majority in favor of the proposition was many thousands. There was much discussion and delay in Congress, but finally the resolution admitting New Mexico and Arizona was passed, and signed by the president on August 21st.

The only proviso, so far as New Mexico was concerned, was that at the first election the people should vote on the proposition to facilitate the making of amendments to the constitution. As the congressional resolution provided that this question should be voted on separately, by a ballot printed on blue paper, the question was commonly called "The Blue Ballot." The final acquisition of the long-fought-for boon of statehood brought new duties to the governor, upon whom it devolved to fix the date of the first state election and give notice thereof by proclamation. This was accordingly done, the day selected being November 7th. Instantly political activity was rife throughout the state, everyone desiring to take part in the first state election. With many it was the first opportunity they had ever had to vote for a governor or for a regular member of Congress. Both parties made strenuous efforts to carry the state at its first election. The Republican convention, confident of victory, met at Las Vegas on September 28th, and the Democratic at Santa Pe on October 2d. Had wise counsels prevailed at Las Vegas there was no doubt of Republican success. But several circumstances weakened the chances for the ticket nominated. The insistence on Hon. H. O.

Bursum as candidate for governor, when he had evident elements of weakness, an unfortunate and impassioned address raising the "race issue," by Mr. 0. A. Larrazola, until recently a Democratic leader, and the arbitrary manner in which the remainder of the ticket was dictated, were chiefly responsible for the subsequent defeat. The Democratic convention was less confident, and perhaps therefore more careful. It nominated William C. McDonald, of Lincoln county, for governor and placed two progressive Republicans on the ticket. The succeeding campaign was brief but vigorous, and the number of "split" tickets cast and the wide difference in the aggregate votes of the leading candidates, show that the people cast their first state ballot with a care and study most commendable and encouraging. The '' blue ballot'' amendment received a much larger majority than any individual candidate, 34,897 to 23,831, which is surprising, because as a rule it is difficult to arouse the interest of voters in an abstract proposition.

Of the principal officers, the Democrats elected the governor, lieutenant-governor, one congressman, superintendent of public instruction, secretary of state, and treasurer; and the Republicans the attorney-general, auditor, one congressman, the commissioner of public lands, and two of the three supreme judges. The total vote cast was 60,842. Nothing now remained for the territorial government which had existed so long but to end its days with dignity and grace. On January 6, 1912, the president signed the proclamation admitting New Mexico into the American Union. On January 15th, at noon, the first governor of the state of New Mexico took the oath of office, and the territorial authority, which had existed for over sixty years, was at an end. The ceremonies were dignified and appropriate. Governor Mills made an address, largely a review of the past; Governor McDonald took the oath which made him the chief executive of the state, and delivered his inaugural address, which looked to the future and what it held for the welfare of New Mexico and its people. The flag of the nation waved from the dome of the capitol, directly over the actors in this great political drama.

The band burst into the exultant strain of patriotic music. Source: A Concise History of New Mexico By Le Baron Bradford Prince, Published 1914 Related Topics Arizona Statehood Day Celebrates the 48th State By Judy Hedding Updated January 27, 2016. It took more than 50 years for Arizona to be granted statehood by the U.S. Congress; it was a long and difficult road. Finally, on August 11, 1911 the House of Representatives submitted H.J. Res. 14, to admit the Territories of New Mexico and Arizona as States into the Union, to be recognized on equal footing with the existing 46 states. President William H. Taft vetoed the bill four days later. The controversy related to the fact that Arizona's constitution allowed for the recall of judges. Since he believed in an independent judiciary. On the very next day, Congress passed S. J. Res. 57, admitting the territories of New Mexico and Arizona as states conditioned upon Arizona voters' adoption of an amendment to the constitution removing the judiciary recall provision. President Taft approved the resolution on August 21, 1911.

Arizona voters removed the recall provision. (Source: National Archives. ) On February 14, 1912, Taft signed the proclamation making Arizona the 48th state, and the last of the contiguous states to be admitted to the union. continue reading below our video Long-Haul Flight Survival Tips It was the last of the 48 contiguous states to be admitted to the union. The first Governor of Arizona was George W.P. Hunt. He came to Globe, Arizona in 1877 at the age of 18 and later became the first mayor of Globe. he served seven terms as Governor. More about George Hunt from the Arizona State Museum. The history of territorial Arizona, as well as its rise to statehood and beyond, is engagingly presented at the Arizona Capitol Museum in the Downtown Phoenix government complex. Here is a map. It is free to visit! and I highly recommend it! While you are there, you may also stop across the street at Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza, dedicated to many individuals who made significant contributions to the state. The Arizona 9-11 Memorial is also located there.

In 2012 Arizona's centennial was celebrated all year long, with programs, exhibits and events for all ages relative to the heritage, arts and culture of the state. As we celebrate Valentine's Day each February 14, we say "Happy Birthday" to Arizona! Arizona - U.S. States - HISTORY.com Motto: Ditat Deus (“God enriches”) Tree: Palo Verde Bird: Cactus Wren Interesting Facts Formed by the Colorado River over a period of 3 to 6 million years, Arizona’s Grand Canyon is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide and one mile deep. Nearly 5 million people visit Grand Canyon National Park each year. Arizona has the greatest percentage of its acreage designated as Indian tribal land in the United States. Oraibi, a Hopi Indian village dating back to at least 1150 AD, is believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the United States. The official state flower, the Saguaro Cactus Blossom, can reach more than 50 feet tall and live more than 200 years.

In May and June, it blooms in the middle of the night and closes the next day—surviving only about 18 hours for pollination by nocturnal animals like bats and moths. Navajo Indians from Arizona were enlisted to transmit secret communications for the U.S. Marines after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor in 1941. Known as Navajo Code Talkers, these young men created an oral code the enemy was unable to decipher, fulfilling a crucial role during World War II and saving countless lives. Arizona is one of only two U.S. states that do not observe Daylight Saving Time. The one exception is the area occupied by the Navajo Nation in the northeast region of the state. Arizona’s diverse climate and geography can yield both the highest and lowest temperatures in the country within the same day. Arizona’s flag features a copper-colored star, acknowledging the state&rsquo;s role as the leading copper producer in the United States. Tags New Mexico and Arizona Statehood Anniversary (1912 – 2012) | National Archives Exhibits New Mexico and Arizona Statehood Anniversary (1912 – 2012) Among the historical records of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S.

Senate at the Center for Legislative Archives are many documents that illustrate the important role Congress plays in the creation of states. For both New Mexico and Arizona, the road to statehood was protracted and contentious. However, after much effort, on January 6, 1912 New Mexico became the 47th state and on February 14, 1912 Arizona became the 48th state in the Union. Both states celebrate their 100th anniversaries in 2012. Here is a sample of the many congressional records that document New Mexico's and Arizona's long journeys to statehood. Map of the United States including Western Territories, December 1848 President Millard Fillmore's nomination of James S. Calhoun to be the first Territorial Governor of New Mexico, December 23, 1850 H.R. 357, An Act to provide a temporary government for the Territory of Arizona, May 15, 1862 President Abraham Lincoln's nomination of John A.

Gurley to be the first Governor of the Territory of Arizona, March 7, 1863 Memorials of the Territories of Arizona and New Mexico asking Congress for the statehood, 1899 and 1901 "Senatorial Filibustering," by Clifford K. Berryman, Washington Evening Star, January 31, 1903 Map of New Mexico showing county seats and boundaries, 1908 "Admission to Statehood," by Clifford K. Berryman, Washington Post, May 24, 1911 H.J. Res. 14, to admit the Territories of New Mexico and Arizona as States into the Union, August 10, 1911 President William H. Taft's veto of H.J. Res. 14 to admit the Territories of New Mexico and Arizona as States into the Union, August 15, 1911 Arizona, the 48th state! | T-Shirt | SKREENED Arizona, the 48th state! 0 0 Skreened Arizona is a state in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the Western United States and of the Mountain West states.

It is the sixth most extensive and the 15th most populous of the 50 states. Its capital and largest city is Phoenix. The second largest city is Tucson, followed in population by eight cities of the Phoenix metropolitan area: Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Tempe, Peoria, and Surprise. Arizona is the 48th state and last of the contiguous states to be admitted to the Union, achieving statehood on February 14, 1912. It is noted for its desert climate in its southern half, with very hot summers and quite mild winters. The northern half of features forests of pine, Douglas fir, and spruce trees, a very large, high plateau (the Colorado Plateau) and some mountain ranges—such as the San Francisco Mountains—as well as large, deep canyons, with much more moderate weather for three seasons of the year, plus significant snowfalls. The Tagged Arizona Information | Relocate to Arizona | Move to Arizona | Arizona Real Estate Sales & Services, Arizona Real Estate Arizona.... Arizona is located in the southwestern United States and bordered by Utah, New Mexico, Mexico, and, across the Colorado River, Nevada and California.

Arizona is the 16th most populous of the 50 states. Arizona is the 48th state and last of the contiguous states to be admitted to the Union. Arizona achieved statehood on February 14, 1912, so we are a " young" state and just celebrated our centennial in 2012. Arizona is noted for its desert climate in the southern half, where there are very hot summers and mild winters which attracts retirees from all the country. Despite the state's aridity, 27% of Arizona is forest, a percentage comparable to modern-day France or Germany. The largest stand in the world of Ponderosa pine trees is contained in Northern Arizona. ..The northern half of Arizona can contribute much of its climatic features to a very large, high plateau (the Colorado Plateau) and mountain ranges—such as the San Francisco Mountains (which are actually ancient volcanos) —as well as large, deep canyons, where there is more moderate weather for three seasons of the year. Even though much of Arizona is a desert, farming and ranching is a large part of our economy, with nearly 15,000 farms/ranches across the state.

Dairy is Arizona's leading agricultural product and Arizona produces enough beef annually to feed 4.6 million Americans. Believe it or not, Arizona is the nation's 4th largest producer of durum wheat, and grows enough cotton each year to make a pair of jeans for every person in the US. The climate of Arizona is divided by the edge of the Colorado Plateau, known locally as the the Mogollon (mug-e-own) Rim. The top of the Mogollon Rim is cold enough and recieves sufficent snowfall to support two ski resorts near Flagstaff and Alpine. Arizona has a 389-mile (626 km)-long international border with the Mexican states of Sonora and Baja California. . Arizona has a 389-mile (626 km)-long international border with the Mexican states of Sonora and Baja California.Arizona is the 48th state and last of the contiguous states to be admitted to the Union, and it achieved statehood on February 14, 1912. Arizona is noted for its desert climate in its southern half, where there are very hot summers and quite mild winters.

The northern half of Arizona also features forests of pine, Douglas fir, and spruce trees, a very large, high plateau (the Colorado Plateau) and some mountain ranges—such as the San Francisco Mountains—as well as large, deep canyons, where there is much more moderate weather for three seasons of the year, plus significant snowfalls. There are ski resorts in the areas of Flagstaff and Alpine.Arizona has a 389-mile (626 km)-long international border with the Mexican states of Sonora and Baja California . Arizona is the 48th state and last of the contiguous states to be admitted to the Union, and it achieved statehood on February 14, 1912. Arizona is noted for its desert climate in its southern half, where there are very hot summers and quite mild winters. The northern half of Arizona also features forests of pine, Douglas fir , and spruce trees, a very large, high plateau (the Colorado Plateau ) and some mountain ranges—such as the San Francisco Mountains —as well as large, deep canyons , where there is much more moderate weather for three seasons of the year, plus significant snowfalls.

There are ski resorts in the areas of Flagstaff and Alp Arizona does not participate in Daylight Savings Time and can experience temperature swings of up to 50 degrees on any given day. Rain is more frequent during the winter months and the summer monsoon season, however, average annual rainfall for the state is only 12.7 inches. Arizona admitted to the Union - On this day in History Things to do in Los Angeles February 14, 1912 – Arizona admitted to the Union Arizona was admitted to the Union on February 14, 1912. It was the 48th and the last of the conterminous states to be admitted to the Union. Arizona was ruled by Spain and Mexico before it became a part of the United States. Before the advent of the Europeans, Arizona was the abode of different Native American tribes. In the 1500s the area came under the control of the Spanish government. During their rule in the region, the Spanish founded fortified towns at Tubac in 1752 and Tucson in 1775.

With the independence of Mexico from Spain in 1821, the territory that is now Arizona became a part of Nueva California, also called Alta California. Originally a part of New Mexico, in 1848 the territory was ceded to the United States. In 1863, it became a separate territory. On February 14, 1912 it was admitted to the Union as the 48th state. You may also like :

Question: Which was the 48th US state to be admitted to the Union, in February 1912?
Answer: Arizona