History of Arizona in Timeline
Arizona is a state located in the Southwestern region of the United States. It shares borders with Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico in the Four Corners region, Nevada to the northwest, California to the west, and the Mexican states of Sonora and Baja California to the south and southwest. It is the 6th largest state by area and the 14th most populous. The capital and largest city is Phoenix, which is also the most populous state capital in the US.
1900: Completion of the Original Capitol Building Construction
In 1900, the construction of the original Capitol building was completed for $136,000.
1901: Dedication of the Original Capitol Building
The original Capitol building in Phoenix, with its copper dome, was dedicated in 1901 after its completion in 1900.
1907: Arizona's Copper Production
By 1907, Arizona produced more copper than any other state, earning it the nickname "the Copper State".
1910: Arizona Population
In 1910, Arizona's population was 294,353.
1910: Mexican Revolution Begins
The Mexican Revolution began in 1910, impacting Arizona due to its proximity to the border.
February 14, 1912: Arizona Statehood
On February 14, 1912, Arizona became the 48th state and the last of the contiguous states to be admitted to the Union.
1912: Arizona Statehood
In 1912, Arizona transitioned from a territory to a state.
1912: Phoenix Becomes the Official State Capital
Phoenix officially became the state capital of Arizona in 1912 with Arizona's admission to the Union.
1916: Pancho Villa's Columbus Raid
In 1916, Pancho Villa's raid on Columbus, New Mexico, highlighted cross-border tensions during the Mexican Revolution.
1917: Bisbee Deportation
In 1917, the Bisbee Deportation occurred as a result of a copper miners' strike.
1918: Battle of Ambos Nogales and Last Indian War Battle
In 1918, the Battle of Ambos Nogales occurred. A few months earlier, the last engagement in the American Indian Wars took place near Nogales, Arizona.
1918: Battle of Ambos Nogales
The Battle of Ambos Nogales took place in 1918 in Arizona.
1920: Republican Landslide Victory
In the 1920 election, a national Republican landslide occurred, resulting in a Republican presidential victory in Arizona.
1920: Mexican Revolution Ends
The Mexican Revolution ended in 1920.
1924: Congress Grants Citizenship and Suffrage to Native Americans
In 1924, Congress passed a law granting citizenship and suffrage to all Native Americans, although some states, like Arizona, still had legal barriers to their voting.
1924: Republican Landslide Victory
A national Republican landslide resulted in a Republican presidential victory in Arizona in 1924.
1928: Republican Landslide Victory
In 1928, a national Republican landslide victory led to a Republican presidential win in Arizona.
1929: Arizona Biltmore Hotel Opens
The Arizona Biltmore Hotel in central Phoenix opened in 1929.
1936: Wigwam Resort Opens
The Wigwam Resort on the west side of the Phoenix area opened in 1936.
June 1942: Japanese American Internment
In June 1942, due to fears of a Japanese invasion, persons of Japanese descent were forced into internment camps.
1945: Veeck Sells Brewers
Bill Veeck sold the Milwaukee Brewers in 1945.
1945: End of Japanese American Internment
Japanese American internment camps were abolished in 1945 after the end of World War II.
1946: Veeck Purchases Cleveland Indians
Bill Veeck purchased the Cleveland Indians in 1946.
1947: Cactus League Begins
The Cactus League, Major League Baseball's spring training in Arizona, began in 1947 when the Cleveland Indians and New York Giants held spring training in Tucson and Phoenix respectively.
1948: Native American Voting Rights in Arizona
In 1948, the Arizona Supreme Court overturned the interpretation of the state's constitution that prohibited Native Americans living on reservations from voting.
1948: Harrison and Austin v. Laveen
In 1948, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled in favor of Native American veterans in Harrison and Austin v. Laveen, granting them voting rights.
1950: Elliott Carter Composes String Quartet
American composer Elliott Carter composed his first String Quartet (1950–51) while on sabbatical in Arizona.
1951: Phoenix Art Museum's Community Education Mandate
Since 1951, the Phoenix Art Museum has held a year-round program of festivals, live performances, independent art films, and educational programs as part of their community education mandate.
1952: Start of Republican Voting Streak
From 1952, Arizona began a streak of voting Republican in every presidential election until 1992, with Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan winning by large margins.
1952: Start of Republican Streak in Maricopa County
Since the 1952 presidential election, Maricopa County consistently voted Republican until 2020.
1960: Dedication of House and Senate Buildings
The House of Representatives and Senate buildings were dedicated in 1960.
1960: Sun City Opens
Sun City, one of the first retirement communities, opened in 1960.
1963: Lake Havasu City Founded
Lake Havasu City was founded by Robert P. McCulloch in 1963.
1964: Goldwater's Home State Win
Barry Goldwater carried his home state of Arizona in the 1964 election, thanks in part to his significant margin of victory in Maricopa County.
1964: Goldwater's Presidential Run
In 1964, Barry Goldwater, an Arizona Senator and native, ran for president as the Republican nominee.
1964: Closely Contested Election
In 1964, Lyndon Johnson narrowly lost Arizona to Barry Goldwater, making it the most closely contested state in an otherwise landslide victory for Johnson.
1970: Arizona Population Growth
By 1970, Arizona's population had grown to 1,752,122.
January 7, 1971: Arizona's All-Time Record Low
Arizona's all-time record low temperature of -40 F (-40 C) was recorded at Hawley Lake on January 7, 1971.
1974: Carefree Highway Released
Gordon Lightfoot's song "Carefree Highway," named after Arizona State Route 74, was released in 1974.
1974: Dedication of the Executive Office Building
The Executive Office Building, where the Governor's Office is located on the ninth floor, was dedicated in 1974.
1974: Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore Released
The film "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore," set in Tucson, was released in 1974.
1977: Secretaries of State and Attorneys General Succeeding to Governorship
Since 1977, four secretaries of state and one attorney general have succeeded to the Arizona governorship.
1977: The Gauntlet's Climax in Phoenix
The climax of the 1977 Clint Eastwood film "The Gauntlet" takes place in downtown Phoenix.
1984: Starman Filmed at Meteor Crater
The final segments of the 1984 film "Starman" were filmed at Meteor Crater outside Winslow, Arizona.
1991: Population Growth Start
The period from 1991 marks the beginning of a significant population increase in metropolitan Phoenix.
1992: Clinton's Near Win
In 1992, Bill Clinton came very close to winning Arizona's electoral votes, losing by less than two percent.
1992: End of Republican Voting Streak
The 40-year streak of Arizona voting Republican in presidential elections ended in 1992.
1993: Republican Party Dominance
Since 1993, the Republican Party has held power in both houses of the Arizona legislature.
1993: Fire in the Sky Released
The science fiction movie "Fire in the Sky," based on a reported alien abduction in Snowflake, Arizona, was released in 1993. Although set in Arizona, it was filmed in Oregon.
June 29, 1994: Arizona's All-Time Record High
Arizona's all-time record high temperature of 128 °F (53 °C) was recorded at Lake Havasu City on June 29, 1994.
March 9, 1995: Arizona Awarded MLB Franchise
On March 9, 1995, Arizona was awarded a Major League Baseball franchise for a $130 million fee, set to begin playing in the 1998 season.
1996: Bill Clinton Wins Arizona
Bill Clinton won Arizona in the 1996 presidential election, marking the first Democratic win in the state since 1960.
1996: Amtrak Service Discontinuation in Phoenix
In 1996, Amtrak service in Phoenix was discontinued due to the rerouting of the Sunset Limited. An Amtrak bus now connects Phoenix and the Maricopa station.
1996: Arizona Democratic Primary
The 2000 Arizona Democratic Primary saw a significant increase in voter turnout compared to the 1996 primary.
January 16, 1997: Diamondbacks Officially Join National League
On January 16, 1997, the Arizona Diamondbacks were officially voted into the National League.
1998: Diamondbacks Inaugural Season
The Arizona Diamondbacks played their inaugural season in Major League Baseball in 1998.
March 2000: First Legally Binding Internet Election
In March 2000, Arizona held the first legally binding internet election to nominate a candidate for public office.
2000: Largest Denominations Data (2000)
Data on the fifteen largest denominations by adherents was collected in 2000 (used for comparison).
2000: Republican Presidential Victories
From 2000 to 2016, Republican presidential candidates consistently won Arizona by substantial margins.
2001: Population Growth End
By 2001, metropolitan Phoenix had experienced a 45% population increase.
2001: Diamondbacks Win World Series
In 2001, the Arizona Diamondbacks won the World Series.
2002: Community College Oversight Changes
In 2002, the Arizona state legislature shifted oversight of community colleges from a statewide board to individual community college districts.
2002: Rodeo-Chediski Fire
In 2002, the Rodeo-Chediski Fire, the worst fire in Arizona's history until 2011, occurred.
2004: Proposition 200
In 2004, Arizona voters passed Proposition 200, requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote.
2004: Q Biotype Whitefly Discovered
The Q biotype whitefly was first discovered in Arizona in 2004 on poinsettia plants.
2005: School District Redistricting Commission Established
In 2005, Arizona established a School District Redistricting Commission to consolidate the state's numerous local school districts.
2005: Native American Language Speakers
In 2005, over 85,000 individuals in Arizona reported speaking Navajo at home, and over 10,000 reported Apache.
2006: Rejection of Same-Sex Marriage Ban
In 2006, Arizona became the first state to reject a same-sex marriage ban in a referendum.
2006: Proposition 107 Rejected
In 2006, Arizona voters rejected Proposition 107, which would have banned same-sex marriage and civil unions, making it the first state to do so.
July 5, 2007: Arizona's All-Time Record High Tied
Arizona tied its all-time record high temperature of 128 °F (53 °C) at Lake Havasu City on July 5, 2007.
2007: Jordin Sparks Wins American Idol
Arizona native Jordin Sparks won American Idol in 2007.
2007: BCS National Championship Game in Glendale
University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona hosted the BCS National Championship Game in 2007.
March 4, 2008: McCain Clinches Republican Nomination
On March 4, 2008, John McCain secured the Republican nomination for the 2008 presidential election, becoming the first major party nominee from Arizona since Barry Goldwater in 1964.
November 4, 2008: Marriage Protection Amendment Approved
On November 4, 2008, Arizona voters approved Proposition 102, also known as the Marriage Protection Amendment, which constitutionally defined marriage as between one man and one woman.
December 2008: Valley Metro Rail Completion
The Valley Metro Rail light rail system, connecting Phoenix with Mesa and Tempe, was completed in December 2008.
2008: Proposition 102 Approved
In 2008, Arizona voters approved Proposition 102, a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman.
2008: Passage of Proposition 102
In 2008, Arizona voters passed Proposition 102, defining marriage as a union between one man and one woman.
2008: McCain's Victory in Maricopa County
John McCain's substantial win in Maricopa County contributed to his overall eight-point victory in Arizona in the 2008 presidential election.
2009: Jan Brewer Becomes Governor
Governor Jan Brewer assumed office in 2009 after Janet Napolitano's Senate confirmation as Secretary of Homeland Security.
2009: Desert Rock and Sludge Metal Emerges
Around 2009, a desert rock and sludge metal scene emerged in Phoenix, Arizona, with bands like Wolves of Winter, Asimov, and Dead Canyon.
2010: Languages Spoken at Home
According to the 2010 census, 73% of Arizona residents age five and older spoke only English at home, while 27% spoke a language other than English.
2010: Arizona Gains Ninth House Seat
Arizona gained a ninth seat in the House of Representatives due to redistricting based on the 2010 United States census.
2010: Metropolitan Population Distribution
As of the 2010 census, approximately five-sixths of Arizona's population resided in the metropolitan areas of Phoenix and Tucson.
2010: Largest Denominations Data (2010)
Data on the fifteen largest denominations by adherents was collected in 2010.
2010: Adoption of SB 1070
In 2010, Arizona adopted SB 1070, a controversial immigration law. Parts of the law were later struck down by the Supreme Court.
2010: SB 1070 Enacted
In 2010, Arizona enacted SB 1070, requiring immigrants to carry immigration papers.
2010: Non-Christian Religions
In 2010, Hinduism became the largest non-Christian religion in Arizona.
2010: Illegal Immigration Statistics
In 2010, illegal immigrants constituted an estimated 8% of Arizona's population.
2010: Religious Denominations in Arizona
The 2010 U.S. Religion Census reported that the largest religious groups in Arizona were the Catholic Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and non-denominational Evangelical Protestants.
2010: Largest Native American Tribes
The 2010 census data provides information on the largest Native American tribes in Arizona.
2010: 2010 Census Reference
The 2010 census is used as a comparison point for Arizona's population growth in 2020.
January 8, 2011: Gabby Giffords Shooting
On January 8, 2011, a gunman shot congresswoman Gabby Giffords and 18 others in Tucson.
November 2011: Public Opinion on Same-Sex Marriage
A November 2011 poll revealed that 44% of Arizona voters supported legalizing same-sex marriage, while 45% opposed it. However, 72% supported some form of legal recognition for same-sex couples.
2011: BCS National Championship Game Returns to Glendale
University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona again hosted the BCS National Championship Game in 2011.
2011: Racial Diversity of Children
In 2011, 61% of Arizona's children under age one belonged to racial groups of color.
2011: Worst Fire in State History
2011 marked the year of the worst fire in Arizona's history, surpassing the Rodeo-Chediski Fire.
2012: Supreme Court Partially Invalidates SB 1070
In 2012, the Supreme Court invalidated parts of SB 1070 in Arizona v. United States.
2013: Bisbee Approves Civil Unions
In 2013, Bisbee became the first city in Arizona to approve of civil unions, after amending the original ordinance following threats by the state's attorney general.
2013: Supreme Court Strikes Down Voting Restriction
In 2013, the Supreme Court struck down the voting restriction imposed by Proposition 200.
July 2014: Sun Link Streetcar Launch
The Sun Link streetcar system in Tucson launched in July 2014.
October 17, 2014: Same-Sex Marriage Legalized
On October 17, 2014, following a U.S. District Court ruling, Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne announced that his office would no longer object to same-sex marriage, effectively legalizing it in the state.
2014: Religious Identification Study (2014)
A 2014 Pew Research Center study found that 67% of Arizona's population identified as Christian.
2016: Banner Health Employment Figures
Banner Health was the largest private employer in Arizona, with over 39,000 employees in 2016.
2016: Republican Presidential Victories
In 2016, the Republican presidential candidate won Arizona, continuing a trend of Republican victories in the state.
2017: Final Four Hosted in Glendale
State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona hosted the Final Four of the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament in 2017.
2018: Immigrant Origins
As of 2018, Mexico, Canada, India, the Philippines, and China were the top countries of origin for immigrants in Arizona.
2018: Teachers' Strike
The West Virginia teachers' strike in 2018 influenced teachers in several states, including Arizona, to take similar action.
2019: Largest Private Employers
The Arizona Republic published a list of the largest private employers in the state in 2019.
August 2020: Largest Employment Sectors
Data on the largest employment sectors in Arizona was collected in August 2020.
August 2020: Unemployment Rate and Largest Employers
In August 2020, Arizona's unemployment rate was 5.9%.
2020: 2020 Census
Arizona's population reached 7,151,502 in the 2020 census.
2020: Biden Wins Maricopa County
Joe Biden's victory in Maricopa County in the 2020 presidential election marked the first time the county had voted for a Democrat since 1948.
2020: Biden's Victory in Arizona
Joe Biden won Arizona in the 2020 presidential election, becoming the first Democratic candidate to do so since Bill Clinton in 1996.
2020: Religious Identification Study (2020)
A 2020 study by the Public Religion Research Institute found that 68% of Arizona's population identified as Christian.
2021: Amtrak Service Restoration Proposal
As of 2021, Amtrak has proposed restoring rail service between Phoenix and Tucson.
2021: Shift in Legislative Seats
As of 2021, the Democratic Party gained seats in recent elections, bringing both chambers one seat away from being equally divided.
November 8, 2022: Creation of Lieutenant Governor Position
On November 8, 2022, Arizona voters approved Proposition 131, creating the position of lieutenant governor starting with the 2026 elections.
2022: Homeless Population Report
According to HUD's 2022 report, there were an estimated 13,553 homeless people in Arizona.
2022: Ancestry Groups Data
Data on Arizona's largest ancestry groups was collected in 2022.
2022: Religious Self-Identification Survey
Public Religion Research Institute conducted a survey on religious self-identification in 2022.
February 12, 2023: Super Bowl LVII Held in Arizona
Super Bowl LVII was held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on February 12, 2023.
2023: Per Capita and Median Household Income
Arizona's per capita income was $61,652 and the median household income was $74,568 in 2023.
2023: Gross State Product
Arizona's total gross state product was $508 billion in 2023.
2023: Overwhelming Support for Same-Sex Marriage
In 2023, the American Values Atlas showed that an overwhelming majority of Arizona residents supported same-sex marriage.
2023: Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
In 2023, the value of the $15 million compensation paid to Mexico in 1848 under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is equivalent to $528,230,769.23.
2026: First Lieutenant Governor Election
The first election for the lieutenant governor position will be held in 2026, with the position elected on a joint ticket with the governor.