Name Probaly from the Pima or Papago for "place of  small springs" Nickname "The Grand Canyon State". State Capitol Phoenix Entered the Union Feb 14,1912(48th). Motto "Ditat deus" ( God enriches).  The Hopi village of Oraibi is the oldest continuously inhiabited town in the United States,and today vast tracts of Arizona are reserived for Apaches,Hopis,Navjos,Papagos,and other Native Americans. Last of the 48 conternimous states admitted to the Union, Arizona was sparsely settled until the advent of airconditioning in the postwar years made it habitable and a popluar destination for retirees. More recently, there has been a boom in manufacturing and light industry,and the 1980's population growth was among the highest in the nation. Mexican-Americans are an especially important political force.                                                   A Bit of History Apaches and Navajos absorb Pueblos c. a.d.1000. Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaa, first spanish explorer in 1536. Marcos de Niza in 1539. Ruled as a part of New Spain 1598-1821.  First missionaries among the Hopi in 1638. Tubac first European settlement in 1752. Tucson founded in 1776. Apaches wipeout settlements uner Mexican control,except Tucson in 1821.  Norther part ceded to United States following the Mexican War 1848. Area south of Gila River to United States after Gadsden Purchase in 1853. Territory in 1863. Southern Pacfic Railroad reachs Tucson in 1880. Apaches subjugated in 1886. Congress refuseds to grant Statehood in 1906. Roosevelt Dam and Reservoir built on Salt River in 1911. Native Americans given the right  to vote in 1948. Glenn Canyon Dam built on the Colorado River in 1964.

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State Flower Saguaro Catus blossom