History of Arizona in Timeline

Arizona is a state in the Southwestern United States, part of the Four Corners region with Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. It borders Nevada, California, and the Mexican states of Sonora and Baja California. Phoenix is its capital and largest city, also ranking as the most populous state capital in the U.S. Arizona is divided into 15 counties.

1900: Capitol building construction completed

In 1900, the construction of Arizona's original Capitol building was completed for $136,000.

1901: Original Capitol building dedicated

In 1901, the original Capitol building in Phoenix, Arizona was dedicated when the area was a territory.

1907: Arizona becomes the "Copper State"

By 1907, Arizona produced more copper than any other state, earning it the nickname "the Copper State" at the time of statehood.

1910: Mexican Revolution begins

In 1910, the Mexican Revolution began, leading to several battles fought in Mexican towns bordering Arizona settlements.

1910: Arizona's population in 1910

In 1910, the state population of Arizona was 294,353.

February 14, 1912: Arizona achieves statehood

On February 14, 1912, Arizona became the 48th state and the last of the contiguous states to be admitted to the Union.

1912: Phoenix becomes state capital

In 1912, Phoenix became the official state capital when Arizona was admitted to the union.

1912: Arizona becomes a state

In 1912, the area that had been designated as Arizona Territory in 1863, became the State of Arizona.

1916: Pancho Villa's Columbus Raid

In 1916, Pancho Villa's Columbus Raid occurred in New Mexico, marking one of two significant engagements on U.S. soil between U.S. and Mexican forces during the Mexican Revolution.

1917: Bisbee Deportation

In 1917, the Bisbee Deportation occurred as a result of a copper miners' strike, highlighting the growing pains and labor disputes in the industry during the early years of Arizona's statehood.

1918: Battle of Ambos Nogales and end of American Indian Wars

In 1918, the American garrison launched an assault into Nogales, Mexico, after Mexican federal troops fired on U.S. soldiers. Also in 1918, an Indian War battle occurred near Nogales, considered the last engagement in the American Indian Wars.

1918: Battle of Ambos Nogales

In 1918, the Battle of Ambos Nogales took place in Arizona between U.S. and Mexican forces.

1920: End of Mexican Revolution

In 1920, the Mexican Revolution ended, during which many Arizonans enlisted in various armies fighting in Mexico.

1920: Republican presidential landslide

In 1920, the Republican candidate for president carried the state during a national Republican landslide.

1924: Citizenship and suffrage granted to Native Americans

In 1924, Congress passed a law granting citizenship and suffrage to all Native Americans.

1924: Republican presidential landslide

In 1924, the Republican candidate for president carried the state during a national Republican landslide.

1928: Republican presidential landslide

In 1928, the Republican candidate for president carried the state during a national Republican landslide.

1929: Opening of the Arizona Biltmore Hotel

In 1929, the Arizona Biltmore Hotel opened in central Phoenix, becoming one of the upscale hotels and resorts that helped develop tourism in Arizona.

1936: Opening of the Wigwam Resort

In 1936, the Wigwam Resort opened on the west side of the Phoenix area, contributing to the development of tourism as an important industry in Arizona.

June 1942: Start of Japanese American internment in Arizona

Starting in June 1942, and lasting until 1945, people of Japanese descent were forced to reside in internment camps in Arizona due to wartime fears, resulting in many losing their homes and businesses.

1945: Veeck Sold Brewers

Brewers owner Veeck sold them in 1945.

1945: End of Japanese American internment in Arizona

In 1945, the Japanese American internment camps in Arizona were abolished after World War II.

1946: Veeck Purchased Cleveland Indians

Veeck went on to purchase the Cleveland Indians in 1946 and decided to train them in Tucson.

1947: Spring Training Started in Arizona

Spring training was first started in Arizona in 1947 when the New York Giants trained in Phoenix.

1948: Arizona Supreme Court overturns Native American voting restrictions

In 1948, the Arizona Supreme Court overturned the legal interpretations of Arizona's constitution that prohibited Native Americans living on reservations from voting, following a lawsuit by World War II veterans.

1948: Harrison and Austin v. Laveen

In 1948, veterans Frank Harrison and Harry Austin of the Mojave-Apache Tribe brought a legal suit, Harrison and Austin v. Laveen, after Maricopa County did not allow them to register to vote. The Arizona Supreme Court ruled in their favor.

1950: Elliott Carter Composes First String Quartet

In 1950, American composer Elliott Carter composed his first String Quartet (1950–51) while on sabbatical in Arizona.

1951: Phoenix Art Museum Community Education Mandate

Since 1951, Phoenix Art Museum holds a year-round program of festivals, live performances, independent art films and educational programs.

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1952: Arizona voted Republican in presidential election

In 1952, Arizona voted Republican in the presidential election.

1960: Opening of Sun City

In 1960, Sun City, established by developer Del Webb, opened as one of the first retirement communities in Arizona.

1960: House of Representatives and Senate buildings dedicated

In 1960, the House of Representatives and Senate buildings in Arizona were dedicated.

1963: Lake Havasu City founded

In 1963, Lake Havasu City was founded by real estate developer Robert P. McCulloch on the Colorado River.

1964: Barry Goldwater's presidential nomination

In 1964, Barry Goldwater was the first major party presidential nominee from the state.

1964: Barry Goldwater carried Arizona with Maricopa County support

In 1964, Barry Goldwater would not have carried his home state without his 20,000-vote margin in Maricopa County.

1964: Johnson narrowly lost Arizona to Goldwater

In 1964, Democrat Lyndon Johnson lost Arizona by fewer than 5,000 votes to Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater.

1970: Arizona's population in 1970

By 1970, Arizona's population had grown to 1,752,122.

January 7, 1971: Record low temperature recorded at Hawley Lake

On January 7, 1971, the all-time record low temperature of −40 °F (−40 °C) was recorded at Hawley Lake.

1974: "Carefree Highway" Released

In 1974, Gordon Lightfoot released the song "Carefree Highway", which takes its name from Arizona State Route 74 north of Phoenix.

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1974: Executive Office Building dedicated

In 1974, an Executive Office Building was dedicated in Arizona, with the Office of the Governor located on the ninth floor.

1974: "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore" set in Tucson

The 1974 film Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, for which Ellen Burstyn won the Academy Award for Best Actress, and also starring Kris Kristofferson, was set in Tucson, Arizona.

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1977: Secretaries of state and attorney general succeeding the governor

Since 1977, four secretaries of state and one attorney general in Arizona have succeeded to the state's governorship.

1977: The Gauntlet climax filmed in Phoenix

The climax of the 1977 Clint Eastwood film The Gauntlet takes place in downtown Phoenix.

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1984: Starman Filmed at Meteor Crater

The final segments of the 1984 film Starman take place at Meteor Crater outside Winslow, Arizona.

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1991: Start of Phoenix population increase

From 1991 through 2001, the population of metropolitan Phoenix increased by 45%.

1992: Arizona voted Republican in presidential election

In 1992, Arizona voted Republican in the presidential election.

1992: Bill Clinton comes within less than two percent of winning Arizona

In 1992, Bill Clinton came within less than two percent of winning Arizona's electoral votes.

1993: Republican Party gains power

In 1993, the Republican Party gained power in both houses of the Arizona legislature.

1993: "Fire in the Sky" Filmed

In 1993, the science fiction movie "Fire in the Sky", based on a reported alien abduction in Snowflake, was set in Snowflake, Arizona. However, it was filmed in Oregon.

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June 29, 1994: Record high temperature recorded at Lake Havasu City

On June 29, 1994, Arizona's all-time record high temperature of 128 °F (53 °C) was recorded at Lake Havasu City.

March 9, 1995: Arizona Awarded MLB Franchise

On March 9, 1995, Arizona was awarded a Major League Baseball franchise to begin playing for the 1998 season.

1996: Bill Clinton wins Arizona

In 1996, Democrat Bill Clinton won Arizona by a little over two percentage points.

1996: Phoenix lost Amtrak service

In 1996, Phoenix lost Amtrak service with the rerouting of the Sunset Limited route, and an Amtrak bus service was established between Phoenix and the station in Maricopa.

1996: Comparison of voter turnout

Voter turnout in the 2000 Arizona Democratic Primary increased more than 500% over the 1996 primary.

January 16, 1997: Diamondbacks Voted into National League

On January 16, 1997, the Diamondbacks were officially voted into the National League.

1998: Women elected to top state offices

In 1998, Arizona elected women to all five top, statewide elected offices: Jane Dee Hull as Governor, Betsey Bayless as Secretary of State, Janet Napolitano as Attorney General, Carol Springer as Treasurer, and Lisa Graham Keegan as Superintendent of Public Instruction.

1998: Diamondbacks Season Begins

In 1998, the Arizona franchise began to play for the 1998 season.

March 2000: Arizona holds first legally binding internet election

In March 2000, Arizona was the site of the first legally binding election ever held over the internet, the 2000 Arizona Democratic Primary, where Al Gore defeated Bill Bradley.

2000: Arizona supported Republican presidential candidates

From 2000, the majority of the state continued to support Republican presidential candidates by solid margins.

2000: Largest denominations by number of adherents in 2000

In 2000, a study was conducted to determine the fifteen largest denominations by number of adherents in Arizona.

2001: End of Phoenix population increase

From 1991 through 2001, the population of metropolitan Phoenix increased by 45%.

2001: Diamondbacks Win World Series

Since their debut, the Diamondbacks have won five National League West titles, two National League Championship pennants, and the 2001 World Series.

2002: Rodeo-Chediski Fire

In 2002, the Rodeo–Chediski Fire occurred, becoming the worst fire in Arizona's state history at that time.

2002: Oversight Authority Transferred to Community College Districts

In 2002, the state legislature transferred almost all oversight authority of Arizona's two-year vocational schools and community colleges to individual community college districts.

2004: Proposition 200 passed

In 2004, Arizona voters passed Proposition 200, requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote.

2004: Q biotype of whitefly found

In 2004, the Q biotype of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (from the Mediterranean) was first found in Arizona, also on poinsettia.

2005: Native American languages spoken in Arizona

In 2005, Arizona had the largest number of speakers of Native American languages in the 48 contiguous states, with over 85,000 people reporting speaking Navajo, and 10,403 people reporting Apache, as a language spoken at home.

2005: School District Redistricting Commission Established

In 2005, a School District Redistricting Commission was established in Arizona with the goal of combining and consolidating many of the state's local school districts.

2006: Arizona rejects Prop 107

In 2006, Arizona became the first state in the United States to reject a proposition, Prop 107, that would have banned same-sex marriage and civil unions.

2006: Arizona rejects same-sex marriage ban

In the 2006 elections, Arizona rejected a same-sex marriage ban in a referendum, becoming the first state in the nation to do so.

July 5, 2007: Record high temperature recorded at Lake Havasu City

On July 5, 2007, Arizona's all-time record high temperature of 128 °F (53 °C) was recorded at Lake Havasu City.

2007: Jordin Sparks Wins American Idol

In 2007, Jordin Sparks, a singer from Arizona, won American Idol.

2007: BCS National Championship Game in Arizona

In 2007, University of Phoenix Stadium was home to the BCS National Championship Game.

March 4, 2008: John McCain clinches Republican nomination

On March 4, 2008, Senator John McCain effectively clinched the Republican nomination for president, becoming the first major party presidential nominee from Arizona since Barry Goldwater in 1964.

November 4, 2008: Arizona Proposition 102 Approved

On November 4, 2008, Arizona Proposition 102, also known as the Marriage Protection Amendment, was approved by Arizona voters. The amendment altered the Arizona Constitution to define marriage as between one man and one woman.

December 2008: Valley Metro Rail Completed

In December 2008, the Valley Metro Rail system was completed, connecting Central Phoenix with Mesa and Tempe.

2008: Arizona approves Prop 102

In 2008, Arizona voters approved of Prop 102, a constitutional amendment that prohibited same-sex marriage but not other unions.

2008: Arizona voters pass Proposition 102

In 2008, Arizona voters passed Proposition 102, an amendment to the state constitution defining marriage as a union of one man and one woman.

2009: Phoenix Desert Rock Underground Emerges

Around 2009, Phoenix began to host a burgeoning desert rock and sludge metal underground, led by bands like Wolves of Winter, Asimov, and Dead Canyon.

2009: Jan Brewer assumes office

In 2009, Jan Brewer assumed the office of Governor of Arizona after Janet Napolitano was confirmed as Secretary of Homeland Security.

2010: Religious congregations and membership in Arizona

According to the 2010 U.S. Religion Census, the three largest denominational groups in Arizona were the Catholic Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and non-denominational Evangelical Protestants. This census accounted for about 2.4 million of Arizona's 6.4 million residents in 2010.

2010: Arizona population in 2010

According to the 2010 United States census, Arizona had a population of 6,392,017.

2010: Increase in population since 2010 census

Arizona's population increased by 12% since the 2010 United States Census.

2010: Languages spoken at home in Arizona

As of 2010, 73% of Arizona residents age five and older spoke only English at home, while 21% spoke Spanish, 2% Navajo, and smaller percentages spoke German, Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and other languages.

2010: Population distribution in Arizona as of 2010

As of the 2010 census, Metropolitan Phoenix (4.7 million) and Tucson (1.0 million) were home to about five-sixths of Arizona's people. Metro Phoenix alone accounted for two-thirds of the state's population.

2010: Arizona enacts SB 1070

In 2010, Arizona enacted SB 1070, which required all immigrants to carry immigration papers at all times.

2010: Arizona gains a ninth seat in the House of Representatives

In 2010, Arizona gained a ninth seat in the U.S. House of Representatives due to redistricting based on the 2010 United States census.

2010: Hinduism becomes largest non-Christian religion

In 2010, Hinduism became the largest non-Christian religion in Arizona, encompassing all denominations, with over 32,000 adherents, surpassing Judaism and Buddhism.

2010: Largest Native American tribes

In 2010, a census provided a listing of the largest Native American tribes residing in Arizona.

2010: Largest denominations by number of adherents in 2010

In 2010, a study was conducted to determine the fifteen largest denominations by number of adherents in Arizona.

January 8, 2011: Shooting of Gabby Giffords

On January 8, 2011, congresswoman Gabby Giffords and 18 others were shot at a gathering in Tucson, Arizona. Giffords was critically wounded, and the incident sparked national attention regarding political rhetoric.

November 2011: Public Opinion on Same-Sex Marriage

In November 2011, a Public Policy Polling survey revealed mixed opinions among Arizona voters regarding same-sex marriage. 44% supported legalization, 45% opposed it, and 12% were unsure. However, 72% supported legal recognition of same-sex couples through either marriage or civil unions in November 2011.

2011: Demographics of Arizona's children

As of 2011, 61% of Arizona's children under age one belonged to racial groups of color.

2011: BCS National Championship Game in Arizona

In 2011, University of Phoenix Stadium was home to the BCS National Championship Game.

2011: Record broken by a new worst fire in state history

In 2011, the Rodeo-Chediski Fire's record as the worst fire in state history was broken.

2012: Supreme Court invalidates parts of SB 1070

In 2012, the Supreme Court invalidated parts of Arizona's SB 1070 in the case Arizona v. United States.

2013: Bisbee approved civil unions

In 2013, the City of Bisbee became the first jurisdiction in Arizona to approve of civil unions.

2013: Supreme Court strikes down Proposition 200 restriction

In 2013, the Supreme Court of the United States struck down the restriction in Proposition 200 that required proof of citizenship to register to vote.

July 2014: Sun Link streetcar launched

In July 2014, the Sun Link streetcar system, loosely based on the Portland Streetcar, was launched in Tucson, connecting the University of Arizona campus with Mercado San Agustin.

October 17, 2014: Arizona Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

On October 17, 2014, Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne announced his office would cease objecting to same-sex marriage following a U.S. District Court Ruling on Arizona Proposition 102. On October 17, 2014, county clerks began issuing same-sex marriage licenses, making Arizona the 31st state to legalize same-sex marriage.

2014: Pew Research Center Study on religion

According to the Pew Research Center's 2014 study, 67% of Arizona's population identified as Christian.

2016: Largest private employer

In 2016, Banner Health was the largest private employer in Arizona, with more than 39,000 employees.

2016: Arizona supported Republican presidential candidates

Until 2016, the majority of the state continued to support Republican presidential candidates by solid margins.

2017: NCAA Final Four in Arizona

In 2017, State Farm Stadium hosted the Final Four of the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.

2018: Top countries of origin for Arizona's immigrant population

As of 2018, the top countries of origin for Arizona's immigrant population were Mexico, Canada, India, the Philippines and China.

2018: West Virginia teachers' strike inspires Arizona teachers

In 2018, the West Virginia teachers' strike inspired teachers in other states, including Arizona, to take similar action.

2019: Largest private employers

According to The Arizona Republic, the largest private employers in the state as of 2019 were listed.

December 2020: ProPublica and Rhodium Group study released

In December 2020, a study released by ProPublica and Rhodium Group cautioned that climate change could make six of Arizona's 15 counties uninhabitable for humans by the years 2040-2060.

2020: Joe Biden won Maricopa County

In 2020, Joe Biden won Maricopa County.

2020: Christian population in Arizona

In 2020, a Public Religion Research Institute study indicated that 68% of Arizona's population identified as Christian. A separate study by the Association of Religion Data Archives in 2020 determined Christianity as the dominant religion in the state, with Catholics numbering 1,522,410 adherents and non-denominational Christians increasing to 402,842 Arizonan Christians.

2020: Arizona's population in the 2020 census

In the 2020 census, the United States Census Bureau recorded Arizona's population as 7,151,502.

2021: Amtrak proposed to restore rail service

As of 2021, Amtrak has proposed to restore rail service between Phoenix and Tucson.

2021: Legislative seats close to equal division

As of 2021, the Democratic Party had picked up several legislative seats in recent elections, bringing both chambers in Arizona one seat away from being equally divided.

November 8, 2022: Arizona voters approved Proposition 131

On November 8, 2022, Arizona voters approved Proposition 131, a state constitutional amendment that created the position and office of the lieutenant governor beginning with the 2026 elections.

2022: Homeless population in Arizona

According to HUD's 2022 Annual Homeless Assessment Report, there were an estimated 13,553 homeless people living in Arizona.

2022: Largest ancestry groups in Arizona

As of 2022, details about Arizona's largest ancestry groups are available.

February 12, 2023: Super Bowl LVII Held in Arizona

On February 12, 2023, State Farm Stadium in Arizona hosted Super Bowl LVII.

2023: Arizona Per Capita Income

In 2023, Arizona's per capita income was $61,652, ranking 33rd in the U.S. The state's median household income in 2023 was $74,568, ranking 19th in the country.

2023: Arizona's Gross State Product

In 2023, Arizona's total gross state product was $508 billion, with the state's economy being moderately diverse, led by health care, transportation, and government sectors.

2023: Majority Support for Same-Sex Marriage

In 2023, the American Values Atlas by Public Religion Research Institute found that the majority of residents support same-sex marriage.

2024: Arizona voters passed a constitutional amendment recognizing abortion access

In 2024, Arizona voters passed a constitutional amendment recognizing abortion access within the Arizona state constitution.

2024: Equivalent compensation in 2024

In 2024, the $15 million compensation stipulated in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848 is equivalent to $545,134,615.38.

2024: Donald Trump won Maricopa County

In the 2024 General Election, former president Donald Trump won Maricopa County by 71,515 votes and won the state of Arizona by 187,382 votes.

2024: NCAA Final Four Scheduled for Arizona

State Farm Stadium is scheduled to host the Final Four of the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament again in 2024.

April 2025: Arizona Unemployment Rate

As of April 2025, the unemployment rate in Arizona was 4.1%.

2026: First election for Lieutenant Governor

In 2026, Arizona will hold its first election for the position of Lieutenant Governor.

2040: Start of potential uninhabitable conditions

According to a December 2020 study, starting in 2040, climate change could make six of Arizona's 15 counties uninhabitable for humans by the years 2040-2060.