Arizona State History for Kids

 Arizona has a long and illustrious history. The Paleo-Indian, Archaic, Post-Archaic, Spanish, Mexican, and American eras are all included in the history of Arizona. Spanish explorers initially visited Arizona in the 1530s, but until the 1840s, the region belonged to Mexico. In the year 1848, after winning the Mexican-American War, the U.S. took over the area. Arizona finally became the 48th state in the Union in 1912. The Grand Canyon is arguably Arizona's most famous landmark.

Even though most people associate Arizona with the desert, 15% of the state is covered in forests, including some of the most extensive national forests in the country.

Here are some more states with fascinating histories for children.

History : What's in a name?

The name Arizona may have originated from Juan Bautista de Anza, an early explorer from Arizona who was of Spanish descent, who may have dubbed it "land of oaks," or from Papago Native American words that mean "site of the fresh spring." The Grand Canyon, Arizona's nickname and a 277-mile-long natural formation, attracts many tourists annually.

Native Americans: 

Several Native American groups, including the Hopi, Pueblo, Zuni, Apache, Mohave, and Navajo, first settled in the region of Arizona.

Some tribes may have been present in the region as early as 1150 AD. Some tribes lived in dome-shaped homes, while others inhabited clay structures or tunnels cut into the sides of hills. Some tribes developed pottery-making skills because the clay was available in abundance.

Others, such as the Navajo, developed into skilled weavers of blankets employing distinctive and elaborate designs and hues.

Spanish-speaking areas:

Spanish explorers started coming in the 1500s in search of riches. Additionally, Spanish priests founded several missions to convert the locals.

Permanent Spanish communities like Tubac and Tucson were created by the middle of the eighteenth century.

Europeans Touchdown:

Spanish priest Marcos de Niza travelled to Arizona for the first time in 1539. Explorers searching for gold and additional priests seeking to establish missions followed him. The Spanish eventually created permanent settlements, such as Tubac in 1752 and Tucson in 1775.

Wars in Arizona:

The Rio Grande or the Nueces River in Mexico should be considered Texas' southern boundary, according to those who participated in the Mexican-American War (1846–1848).

The area between the Rio Grande and the Pacific Ocean, including more than 500,000 square miles of Mexican territory, was added to the United States.

In two separate land transactions, one in 1848 and the other in 1853, the United States also acquired the territory that is now Arizona.

Seven southern states broke away from the Union in 1861 over their opposition to Lincoln's proposal for the abolition of slavery. Arizona was separated from the Territory of New Mexico in 1863 to create the Arizona Territory. The introduction of railroads in the area in 1880 reduced its isolation. Arizona. Four more states quickly joined this group of states, which they termed the Confederate States of America. The Arizona Territory of New Mexico was one of several to join the Confederacy.In 1865, the war was officially over after the Confederates' last capitulation.Seven southern states broke away from the Union in 1861 over their opposition to Lincoln's proposal for the abolition of slavery.

Accession to the United States:

Much of the southwest, including Arizona, came under American authority after the Mexican-American War. As part of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed in 1848, they paid $15 million for the area. With the Gadsden Purchase, more land was acquired in southern Arizona in 1853.

Western culture:

There are many tales concerning Arizona's early years, both before and after farmers, ranchers, and miners began to inhabit the state. The European settlers and the Native Americans frequently engaged in conflict. Cochise and Geronimo, two dreaded Chiricahua Apache chiefs, led their people on expeditions against white settlers, American and Mexican soldiers, and other enemies. Gunfighters plagued the cities and immigrants in the 1800s. Due to a gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona, in 1881, Wyatt Earp rose to fame.Wyatt, his brother Virgil, Doc Holiday, Frank, Tom, and Billy McLaury are slain in a firefight. Despite being accused of murder, Wyatt Earp and Doc Holiday were found not guilty.

Timeline: 

  • 1150 - Oraibi, a Hopi village, is founded. It is the oldest American city still inhabited today.

  • Marcos de Niza, a priest from Spain, was the first European to set foot in Arizona in 1539.

  • The first permanent European colony opened in Tubac in 1752.

  • Spanish settlers in Tucson, Arizona, founded the city in 1775. It is a "presidio," or fortified town.

  • In the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed in 1848, the United States acquired much of Arizona.

  • The Gadsden Purchase was made in 1853, purchasing the southern part of Arizona.

  • The Battle of Picacho Pass took place in 1862. It is the Civil War's westernmost fight.

  • Arizona Territory was created in 1863.

  • Tombstone hosted the shootout at the O.K. Corral in 1881.

  • Geronimo, the Apache chief, gave up in 1886.

  • Phoenix became the nation's capital in 1889.

  • The U.S. Congress added Arizona as the 48th state in 1912.

  • Grand Canyon National Park was created in 1919.


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