Happy Birthday Arizona! 100 Years Since Statehood!

14. February 2012 by Teri Ellis.

I grew up in Arizona! Back in the 50’s we had no air conditioning, but as a child, I don’t remember it being a problem. We played in the water and in the irrigation ditches and drank from hoses when thirsty. We survived the heat. Coming from a large family, we were always busy playing and enjoying being able to go barefoot. That was always important to us since we knew as soon as the ground was warm enough, our mother would allow us to remove our shoes.

I love Arizona! There are so many beautiful places to see! Weather is wonderful during the winter especially, but during the summer, there are myriad areas to camp, to fish, to boat, to visit just a short trip to the mountains or to the lakes.

As a child, we would camp at Oak Creek Canyon, just north of Sedona, for two weeks sleeping in tents, or outside, bathing in the cold, cold streams. My dad would leave while we were sleeping and catch fish for breakfast.  Good memories.

Arizona is considered part of the Southwestern United States and is bordered by New Mexico to the east, Utah to the north, Nevada to the northwest, California to the west, its northeast corner touches part of Colorado, this area is known as the Four Corners. To the south of Arizona is the country Mexico with which it shares a border of 389 miles. The state is called the "Grand Canyon State" and the "Copper State" as it is the home of the Grand Canyon and has produced large amounts of copper from its mineral deposits.

Arizona became a state on February 14, 1912 and became the 48th state accepted into the United States. The state capital is Phoenix, which also is the largest city in the state. Phoenix is the largest capital city in the US.

Arizona’s climate can be very hot. In Phoenix, the average temperature is about 107 degrees Fahrenheit in summer. AND it has been known to occasionally get up to 120! AND we enjoy monsoons in July/August which cools us down, but then humidity kicks in. BUT, no matter what, I can always go outside utilizing the conveniences of air conditioning in my car, in my home, in the markets, etc.

So far this winter, I don’t believe we’ve dipped much below 60 (which is cold for us Arizonans!) February has been pretty much in the high 60’s and 70’s, and beautiful!

During the winter months, many people migrate to Arizona to enjoy the mild weather. After spending a couple of months here, they often purchase a home to return to every winter. For those living here full time, there are mountains close by where it is at least 20 degrees cooler than the valley. Many purchase a second home in those mountains and commute to the valley once a month or so.

Happy Birthday Arizona!!!

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