Martin Urena : “Arizona State: Present Day Reflections on the Past”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Arizona Celebrates 112 Years of Statehood: Looking Back at the Past

It’s not easy to overshadow Valentine’s Day, but Feb. 14 holds a special significance for the state of Arizona. On this day in 1912, Arizona officially became a state, earning itself the nickname “the Valentine State.” As Arizona celebrates its 112th birthday, let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore what was happening a century ago.

Back in 1924, readers of The Arizona Republican woke up to a headline that declared, “Baby State Healthy Youngster.” The editorial praised Arizona’s journey to statehood, highlighting the rejection of a plan to merge with New Mexico and awarding the state an A+ grade at the age of 12.

The editorial proudly proclaimed, “Arizona became and stands out as the child prodigy of the states.” It highlighted the state’s impressive accomplishments, including its thriving copper and agricultural industries, bank deposits nearing $70 million, and a well-developed road network. The editorial also noted that Arizona’s scenic beauty attracted more tourists than the state’s population.

Fast forward to the present day, and Arizona has continued to flourish. Yuma, known as the “salad bowl” of the country, boasts a thriving winter crop industry. Arizona has also become the leading copper-producing state and has bank deposits totaling nearly $209 billion.

However, not everything has remained the same over the past century. Arizona is no longer considered the “baby state” since Alaska joined the union as the 49th state in 1959. Prices have also significantly increased since Arizona’s early years. In 1924, new homes, apartments, and duplexes could be purchased for as low as $5,000, while today’s real estate market presents higher price points.

Looking back at the headlines from 1924, it’s evident that politics played a significant role in Arizona’s news coverage. Stories about narcotics convictions and tragic incidents, such as a suicide in the Tent City on the Tempe road, made the front page. The judicial system.