Last Reviewed and Updated on July 29, 2022
Arizona is a state in the southwestern region of the United States. It is the sixth largest of the 50 states. Arizona shares its border with New Mexico, Utah, and Nevada, as well as sharing an international border with the Mexican state of Sonora. Read on to learn some of the most interesting facts about Arizona.
1. Arizona became a state on Valentine’s day
Arizona became a part of the union on Valentine’s day – February 14th, 1912. It was the 48th state as well as the last contiguous state to join the union.
2. The name Arizona means “small spring”
The name of this state appears to originate from an earlier Spanish name, Arizonac. The Spanish derived the name from Tohono O’odham (Native American) name ṣonak meaning small spring.
The Spanish first used this name for an area around the silver mining camp Planchas de Plata, Sorona.
3. The most spoken languages in Arizona are English, Spanish, and Navajo
The majority of people in Arizona speak English. About 20% of people in Arizona speak Spanish. Navajo is the third most spoken language in Arizona.
4. It is the home to the world’s most preserved meteor impact crater
The Barringer Meteorite Crater in the high plains of the northern Arizona desert is the best-preserved meteor impact crater on Earth. It is also the largest meteor impact crater in the United States.
The crater is about 3,900 ft / 1200 m in diameter and about 560 ft / 170 m deep. It is 50,000 years old.
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5. It is the home of the Saguaro cactus, which is also the state’s official plant
One of the coolest facts about Arizona is that it is the home of one of the most well-known plants. The Saguaro cactus, one of the most iconic cactus species, is native to the Sonoran Desert in Arizona. These majestic plants can grow to be over 40 feet / 12 meters tall.
The blossom of this cactus is the state wildflower of Arizona.
6. Pheonix, the capitol of Arizona, could be called Pumpkinville
Before the name Phoenix was chosen, there were other names put up for consideration, including Pumpkinville, due to the fertile lands in the area (source).
The name Phoenix was suggested (and chosen) to signify how a new grand civilization will be born from the “ashes” of a former fallen one.
7. Hoover dam, one of the largest U.S. dams, is in Arizona
Hoover dam, one of the 20 largest and world’s most known dams, is in Arizona.
This concrete arch-gravity dam was constructed between 1931 and 1936.
8. The Grand Canyon is in Arizona
The Grand Canyon is what Arizona is most well known for, and it is one of the world’s largest canyons.
9. There is a town in Arizona named Nothing
Nothing is a mostly uninhabited town, a ghost town in Arizona. It is said the town was named by a bunch of drunks, which does make sense. There is a gas station and a convenience store.
If you visit Nothing, you will be greeted by a town sign;
Town of Nothing Arizona. Founded 1977. Elevation 3269ft.
The staunch citizens of Nothing are full of Hope, Faith, and Believe in the work ethic. Thru-the-years-these dedicated people had faith in Nothing, hoped for Nothing, worked at Nothing, for Nothing.
Nothing Town Sign
10. Pheonix is one of the hottest and sunniest cities in u.S.
Last on the list of facts about Arizona is a hot one. The name Pheonix does the city justice; not only did the city rise from the ruins of a former civilization just like a phoenix would from ashes, but it’s also incredibly hot and sunny. This city has many hot days, and the temperatures can be brutal. It also has about 300 sunny days per year.