Arizona

The Verde Valley’s climate is ideal for year-round visitation. Due to its low elevation of 3,300’, visitors tend to enjoy moderate climate year-round.

The Verde Valley

Limitless adventures await visitors to the Verde Valley. Pre-Columbian Sinagua sites, officers’ quarters at a cavalry fort, a train excursion along the Verde River, a cowboy dinner show and a night at the casino may all be experienced in a single day. In addition, a variety of festivals and special events occur throughout the year.

The Verde River winds its way through the Verde Valley and is home to catfish, bass and trout. Magnificent views of Sedona’s red rock country and the forests and canyons of Mingus Mountain await the hiker. Challenging hiking trails stretch across the valley from Oak Creek Canyon to West Sedona all the way to Cottonwood. The avid golfer will be challenged and delighted in the local golf courses that highlight the scenic views and diverse landscape of the Verde Valley.

Arizona became the 48th state on February 14, 1912, which is how it received one of its nicknames the Valentine State. Its other nickname is the Grand Canyon State. It was also the last state to be admitted into the continental United States. The capital of Arizona is Phoenix. Arizona occupies 113,417 square miles and is the sixth largest state in area in the nation. It is bordered by Utah, Nevada, California, New Mexico, and Mexico.

Origin of Name: Arizona is derived from "Aleh-Zon" two Indian Words meaning "Little Spring"

About the Flag: The top half of the Arizona flag refers to the 13 original colonies of the United States and the western setting sun. The copper star in the center of the flag identifies Arizona as (back then) the largest copper producing state in the union. The blue and red colors in the lower half of the flag are the same shades as in the United States flag. The Blue of the lower half of the flag and the yellow of the western setting sun are the Arizona State colors. The red and yellow colors found in the rays are the colors flown by the Spanish Conquistedores led by Francisco Vasquez de Coronado in his unsuccessful search for the Seven Cities of Cibola in 1540.

State Bird: Cactus Wren

State Flower: Saguaro Cactus Bloom

State Mammal: Ring-tail Cat

State Amphibian: Arizona Tree Frog

State Fish: Apache Trout

State Neckwear: Bola Tie

State Tree: Palo Verde

State Reptile: Ridge-nose Rattlesnake

State Song: "Arizona March Song" by Margaret Row Clifford. The alternate and more popular song is "I love Arizona" by Rex Allen, Jr.

State Motto: "Ditat Deus" means God Enriches

State Colors: Blue and Gold

State Gemstone: Turquoise

State Fossil: Petrified Wood

Just for Kids: Go to Kids’ Pages to learn all about Arizona

Original Top Industries in Arizona "The 5 C's"

Cattle, Citrus, Copper, Climate, Cotton

Arizona's Principal Industries are:

  • Manufacturing...over $11 billion
  • Tourism...over $10 billion
  • Mining...over $3 billion
  • Agriculture...over $2 billion

Arizona Sports Teams

  • Baseball: Arizona Diamondbacks - National Baseball League
  • Football: Arizona Cardinals - National Football League and Arizona Rattlers - Arena Football League
  • Basketball: Phoenix Suns - National Basketball Association and Phoenix Mercury - Women's National Basketball Association
  • Hockey: Phoenix Coyotes - National Hockey League and Arizona Sundogs - http://www.arizonasundogs.com
  • Soccer: Arizona Sandsharks - Continental Indoor Soccer Organization
  • Lacrosse: Arizona Sting - National Lacrosse League

Famous People Born in Arizona

  • Barry Goldwater: Former US Senator and Presidential Candidate
  • Linda Ronstadt: Singer
  • Andy Devine: Western TV and Movie Star
  • Rex Allen: Western TV and Movie Star and Singer
  • Ted DeGrazia: Artist
  • Barbara Eden: TV and Movie Star
  • Lynda Carter: TV and Movie Star

For more information on the state of Arizona visit www.arizonaguide.com

For more information on the industry in Arizona visit www.commerce.state.az.us

For more information about Arizona's government visit www.state.az.us/

For more information about Arizona's reptiles and amphibians visit tucsonherpsociety.org