In 1812, Arizona became the 48th state admitted into the U.S.
Although there is some debate about about the origin of the name "Arizona", it was widely believed the name of a town, which is called "Arizonac" in English, about eight miles (13 km) south of the United States and Mexican border.
Other names considered were, "Gadsonia", "Pimeria", "Montezuma", "Arizuma", and "Arizonia".
The original inhabitants were native indians.
In 1539, Marcos de Niza, a Franciscan, explored the area.
Spain founded fortified towns at Tubac in 1752 and Tucson in 1775.
In 1810, Arizona became part of Mexico's northwest frontier upon Mexican independence.
The United States took possession of most of Arizona at the end of the Mexican-American War in 1848.
During World War Two, Arizona was the site of German and Italian prisoner of war camps.
Three ships named USS Arizona have been named in honor of the state.
Paralumun New Age Village