Arizona (/ˌærɪˈzoʊnə/ ⓘ ARR-ih-ZOH-nə; Navajo: Hoozdo Hahoodzo [hoː˥z̥to˩ ha˩hoː˩tso˩]; O'odham: Alĭ ṣonak [ˈaɭi̥ ˈʂɔnak]) is a state in the Southwestern region of the United States. Arizona is part of the Four Corners region with Utah to the north, Colorado to the northeast, and New Mexico to the east; its other neighboring states are Nevada to the northwest, California to the west and the Mexican states of Sonora and Baja California to the south and southwest. It is the 6th-largest and the 14th-most-populous of the 50 states. Its capital and largest city is Phoenix.
Arizona is the 48th state and last of the contiguous states to be admitted to the Union, achieving statehood on February 14, 1912. Historically part of the territory of Alta California and Nuevo México in New Spain, it became part of independent Mexico in 1821. After being defeated in the Mexican–American War, Mexico ceded much of this territory to the United States in 1848, where the area became part of the territory of New Mexico. The southernmost portion of the state was acquired in 1853 through the Gadsden Purchase.
Southern Arizona is known for its desert climate, with very hot summers and mild winters. Northern Arizona features forests of pine, Douglas fir, and spruce trees; the Colorado Plateau; mountain ranges (such as the San Francisco Mountains); as well as large, deep canyons, with much more moderate summer temperatures and significant winter snowfalls. There are ski resorts in the areas of Flagstaff, Sunrise, and Tucson. In addition to the internationally known Grand Canyon National Park, which is one of the world's seven natural wonders, there are several national forests, national parks, and national monuments.
Arizona's population and economy have grown dramatically since the 1950s because of inward migration, and the state is now a major hub of the Sun Belt. Cities such as Phoenix and Tucson have developed large, sprawling suburban areas. Many large companies, such as PetSmart and Circle K, have headquarters in the state, and Arizona is home to major universities, including the University of Arizona and Arizona State University. The state is known for a history of conservative politicians such as Barry Goldwater and John McCain, though it has become a swing state since the 1990s.
Arizona is home to a diverse population. About one-quarter of the state is made up of Indian reservations that serve as the home of 27 federally recognized Native American tribes, including the Navajo Nation, the largest in the state and the United States, with more than 300,000 citizens. Since the 1980s, the proportion of Hispanics in the state's population has grown significantly owing to migration from Mexico. A substantial portion of the population are followers of the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The state's name appears to originate from an earlier Spanish name, Arizonac, derived from the O'odham name alĭ ṣonak, meaning 'small spring'. Initially this term was applied by Spanish colonists only to an area near the silver mining camp of Planchas de Plata, Sonora. To the European settlers, the O'odham pronunciation sounded like Arissona. The area is still known as alĭ ṣonak in the O'odham language.
For thousands of years before the modern era, Arizona was home to many ancient Native American civilizations. Hohokam, Mogollon, and Ancestral Puebloan cultures were among those that flourished throughout the state. Many of their pueblos, cliff side dwellings, rock paintings and other prehistoric treasures have survived and attract thousands of tourists each year.
Due to its large area and variations in elevation, the state has a wide variety of localized climate conditions. In the lower elevations the climate is primarily desert, with mild winters and extremely hot summers. Typically, from late fall to early spring, the weather is mild, averaging a minimum of 60 °F. November through February are the coldest months, with temperatures typically ranging from 40 to 75 °F, with occasional frosts.
The United States Census Bureau records Arizona's population as 7,151,502 in the 2020 census, a 12% increase since the 2010 United States census.
The capital of Arizona is Phoenix. The original Capitol building, with its distinctive copper dome, was dedicated in 1901 (construction was completed for $136,000 in 1900) when the area was a territory. Phoenix became the official state capital with Arizona's admission to the union in 1912.
If you want to read a whole lot more, go here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arizona
- SERVES
- 4
- CHILL TIME
- 2 Hr
- COOK TIME
- 25 Min
Apples and pork make for one tasty combination - it's no wonder this flavor pairing has been around for centuries! In our recipe for Orchard Pork Chops, we really amped up the "a-peel" by using fresh apples, apple juice, and apple cider vinegar to make this mouthwatering fall dish.
- 1 1/2 cup apple juice or apple cider
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 bone-in center cut pork chops (6 to 8 ounces each)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 apple, chopped
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- In a 9- x 13-inch baking dish, combine apple juice, vinegar, and garlic; mix well. Add pork chops, cover, and refrigerate about 2 hours, turning occasionally. Remove chops from marinade, reserving marinade, and sprinkle evenly with 1/2 teaspoon salt and the pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil until hot. Add chops and cook 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until no longer pink in center.
- Meanwhile, in a medium skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter; saute apples 5 minutes, or until tender. Place 1/4 cup marinade in a small bowl, whisk in flour, cinnamon and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add remaining marinade to apples and bring to a boil. Add flour mixture to apple mixture and heat 2 to 3 minutes, or until thickened. Serve over pork chops.
