Arizona's first inhabitants were Indians who migrated here 12,000 years ago across the land bridge, which once connected Alaska with Asia. When they were the only inhabitants of the area, the Indians lived in elaborate adobe dwellings, which often were as tall as a 10-story building. Many tribes, including the Apache, Hopi, Navajo, Tohono O’odham, Pima and several other small groups resided near what is now Phoenix.

Spaniards sent from Mexico in the early 1500’s explored Arizona. When Mexico declared independence from Spain in 1821, Arizona flew the flag of Mexico. Then, for $10 million Gadsen Purchase, the United States obtained most of the land that is now known as New Mexico and Arizona.

Arizona rapidly expanded after 1853, when ranchers and miners fought the Indians who felt challenged by western expansion. Disputes between settlers and the Indians grew year by year and in the 1800's, 20 percent of the U.S. Army was stationed in Arizona.

When Geronimo was captured in 1886, the Indian wars ended. The economy was boosted with the completion of the Santa Fe and the Southern Pacific railroads in the late 1800's.

A period of the “Wild West” descended on Arizona when outlaw gangs and renegade Indians roamed large areas of the state. The colorful shootouts in places like Tombstone were common; the “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral” between the Earps and Clantons symbolizes the lawlessness that ruled the territory. The Arizona Rangers eventually restored order around the turn of the century. Since becoming the 48th state in 1912, Arizona has maintained its proud heritage while attracting thousands on new residents each year.

Arizona is home to 21 Indian tribes on 20 reservations and has the largest number of Indian reservations in the United States. In 1940, the population was less than 500,000. It’s now more than 5.1 million.

An extremely pleasant climate, vast natural beauty and strong economical base make Arizona an attractive place to live and work.