Joey Saves The Day!: Facts about Arizona

Arizona Facts

Learn facts about Arizona for kids.

Last week, we posted about Alaska. This week, we are posting facts about Arizona. You will learn about Arizona's state flag, bird, and other facts.

Did you know that Arizona was the 48^th state to join the union? Arizona officially joined the union on February 14, 1912! February 14 is also Valentine’s Day! Arizona is located in the Southwestern region of the United States. Arizona is bordered by five other states: California, Colorado (only borders by a corner), Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. Arizona is the sixth (6^th) largest state in the United States. Over 7.2 million people are living there. That is a lot of people!!

Facts about Arizona:

1. Arizona is recognized for its notable landmarks, including the Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam. The state is colloquially referred to as "The Grand Canyon State." Its official motto, "Ditat Deus," translates to "God Enriches." Additionally, the postal abbreviation for Arizona is AZ.

2. Phoenix, with a population of over 1.6 million, is Arizona's capital. It became the capital on February 4, 1889.

3. The Cactus Wren, recognized as the state bird of Arizona, is a distinctive and charming songbird. It features a predominantly brown body adorned with intricate patterns, and its chest showcases a whitish or tan hue, decorated with striking black speckles. This bird is known for its lively personality and the energetic songs it produces, often found in desert habitats where it can be seen flitting among cacti and shrubs. The Cactus Wren is not only a symbol of Arizona's unique wildlife but also plays an important role in the ecosystem by helping to control insect populations and dispersing seeds.

4. The official state flower of Arizona is the Saguaro, which blooms on the majestic Saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea). These striking flowers are typically white with a beautiful yellowish center and can grow up to three to four inches in diameter. The blooms appear in late spring, usually from April to June, and are not only visually stunning but also significant in the desert ecosystem, attracting pollinators such as bees, bats, and birds. Additionally, the Saguaro cactus itself can grow to be quite large, reaching heights of up to 40 feet and living for over 150 years. The sight of the Saguaro in full bloom against the Arizona landscape is truly a breathtaking experience!

5. The Arizona state flag was officially adopted in 1917. It features a copper star, which symbolizes the state's copper production. The red and yellow rays at the top of the flag represent both the original 13 colonies of the United States and Arizona’s stunning sunsets and landscapes. The blue at the bottom of the flag signifies freedom and may also represent the Colorado River, which carved out the Grand Canyon.

6. In Arizona, a diverse array of crops is cultivated due to the state's unique climate and soil conditions. Some of the key crops grown in the region include cabbage, known for its crunchy texture and versatility in a variety of dishes; carrots, which thrive in the sandy soils and provide a rich source of vitamins; onions, prized for their flavor; and lettuce, which is often grown for fresh salads. Additionally, Arizona is a significant producer of cotton, an essential crop for the textile industry, as well as hay, which is important for livestock feed. Lastly, potatoes are also cultivated in the state, contributing to both local consumption and broader markets.

7. There are 22 National Parks in Arizona. Here is a list of four of the National Parks in Arizona:

Grand Canyon National Park
Petrified Forest National Park
Saguaro National Park
Canyon de Chelly National Park
Organ Pipe Cactus National Park

8. Tarantulas and rattlesnakes are found in Arizona. They are very dangerous and should only be handled by professionals. Other animals that inhabit Arizona include black bears, coyotes, deer, javelina, ringtail cats, and skunks. Never approach wild animals.

9. Arizona ranks as one of the hottest states in the United States. The highest temperature ever documented in Arizona was 128 degrees Fahrenheit, recorded in Lake Havasu City on June 29, 1994. Conversely, the lowest temperature ever recorded in the state reached -40 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees below zero) at Hawley Lake on January 7, 1971.

Get your free printable Arizona worksheet here:

Arizona worksheet

Explore my printable section for an impressive selection of worksheets and coloring sheets! You won’t want to miss it!

Books about Arizona:

1. What's Great about Arizona? by Rebecca Hirsch

2. Hello, Arizona! by Martha Zschock

3. Grand Canyon by Jason Chin

4. Arizona Facts by Mimi Jones

Parents and caregivers, please ensure that the books you choose to read to your child or children are appropriate for their age and understanding.

You can Click here to purchase the 50 States workbook on Amazon.

Join us next week for a captivating exploration of fascinating facts that you won't want to miss about Arkansas. Thank you for reading my post!! "Don't have a good day; have a GREAT day!" -Free Guy the movie.