ARIZONA - Known today as the Grand Canyon State officially joined the United States as the 48th state in 1912. But what was this vast, southwestern region called before achieving statehood? Its path involved centuries under different flags and several distinct territorial designations under the U.S. government.
Before Statehood: Unpacking the Territorial Names of Arizona
Understanding these earlier names provides insight into Arizona's complex history and journey to becoming the state we know today.
Spanish and Mexican Rule
Long before American governance, the land encompassing present-day Arizona was part of the Spanish Empire's northern frontier, specifically within the territory of New Spain. Following Mexico's independence from Spain in 1821, the region became part of Mexico. Indigenous peoples, of course, inhabited the land for millennia before any European claims.
Acquisition by the United States
Most modern Arizona became part of the United States following the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). Mexico formally ceded this land in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. A crucial southern strip of Arizona (south of the Gila River) was acquired later through the Gadsden Purchase in 1854 to facilitate a southern railroad route.
Part of the New Mexico Territory (1850-1863)
The newly acquired lands, including Arizona, were initially incorporated into a larger administrative unit. In 1850, the U.S. Congress established the vast Territory of New Mexico, which included most of present-day Arizona and New Mexico. During this period, "Arizona" referred to a geographical region within the larger New Mexico Territory rather than a distinct political entity recognized by the U.S. government.
The Arizona Territory (1863-1912): A Distinct Identity
As settlement increased and the vastness of the New Mexico Territory proved challenging to govern, calls grew for a separate territory in the western portion.
- Civil War Context: The push for separation intensified during the American Civil War. Southern sympathizers in the region briefly declared a Confederate Territory of Arizona in 1862, though this was not recognized by the Union.
- Official U.S. Territory: In response and to solidify Union control, the U.S. Congress officially created the separate Territory of Arizona on February 24, 1863, carving it out from the western half of the New Mexico Territory. This marked the birth of Arizona as a distinct, officially recognized U.S. territory.
The Road to Statehood
From 1863 to 1912, the region was known as the Arizona Territory for nearly half a century. During this time, it experienced significant growth, conflict associated with westward expansion, the development of mining and ranching industries, and the establishment of territorial government infrastructure.
Statehood Achieved (1912)
Finally, after a long territorial period, Arizona was admitted to the Union as the 48th state on February 14, 1912.
Before becoming the state of Arizona in 1912, the region passed through several distinct phases. It was part of New Spain, then Mexico. Following its acquisition by the United States, it was initially administered as part of the larger Territory of New Mexico (from 1850). Finally, in 1863, it gained its own distinct identity as the Territory of Arizona, the name it held until achieving statehood. This progression reflects the dynamic history of the American Southwest and the complex process of territorial expansion and state formation.
Sources:
- Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records
- Arizona Historical Society
- U.S. National Archives (Treaties, Congressional Records)
- Historical accounts of Spanish and Mexican periods in the Southwest
- Histories of the New Mexico and Arizona Territories
- Records related to the Gadsden Purchase
