Statehood Day In Arizona
On February 14, 1912, the Arizona Territory was accepted into the Union as the 48th U.S. state. Even though people who lived in the Arizona Territory had wanted statehood for years before it was finally granted, the territory’s unwillingness to join the U.S. as part of the New Mexico Territory was considered a nonstarter.
United States (Local observance)Nowadays, Arizona is the 6th largest and the 14th most populous of the 50 states, and its capital is Phoenix. The holiday that celebrates this state’s birthday is celebrated annually on February 14th and is aptly named Arizona Statehood Day. This is a day on which all Arizonans can take pride in their state.
The History of Arizona Statehood Day
Before European colonization, the territory that would become Arizona was occupied by various Native American civilizations, including the Anasazi, Mogollon, and Hohokam civilizations. In the 16th century, the Spanish became the first Europeans to visit the area—many of whom were looking for CÃbola—the mythical Seven Cities of Gold.
During the 19th century, Arizona would become part of the Territory of Nueva California when Mexico achieved independence from Spain. The U.S. would gain possession of the area during the Mexican-American War of 1847. The U.S. government originally administered the area as part of the Territory of New Mexico until the southern part of the region seceded and formed the Territory of Arizona under the Confederate States of America.
The federal government declared a new Arizona Territory that was composed of the western half of the New Mexico Territory on February 24, 1863. The new boundaries drawn would become the boundary that would later be used when Arizona became a U.S. state. On February 14, 1912, Arizona became the 48th U.S. state.
Observing Arizona Statehood Day
Arizona Statehood Day is a holiday that’s observed with parades, fairs, and other events that celebrate the state’s history and culture. On this day, Arizonans also use the hashtag #ArizonaStatehoodDay to spread the word about this holiday on the internet.
United States (Local observance)
