Ninety eight years ago today Arizona officially became a state. We were the last of the 48 contiguous states to be admitted to the union. This is my favorite AZ history story:
Senator Henry Ashurst presided over the convention that adopted AZ’s state constitution and later became one of our first 2 Senators. He used to tell on himself the story of his maiden speech in the U.S. Senate. “Mr. President,” he began, “The new baby state I represent has the greatest of potential. This state could become a paradise. We need only two things: water and lots of good people.” A gruff senior senator from New England interrupted, “If the Senator will pardon me for saying so, that’s all they need in Hell!”
Happy Statehood Day, AZ!
Yours Truly,
An AZ Native
Oh, and Happy Valentines Day!
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