By: Anna Platero

Arizona’s State Flag & Seal The 13 rays of red and gold on the top half of the flag represent both the 13 original colonies of the Union, and the rays of the Western setting sun. Red and gold were also the colors carried by Coronado's Spanish expedition in search of the Seven Cities of Cibola in The bottom half of the flag has the same Liberty blue as the United States flag. Since Arizona was the largest producer of copper in the nation, a copper star was placed in the flag's center.

Arizona’s Motto Ditat Deus (God enriches) Origin of state's name: Spanish interpretation of "arizuma," an Aztec Indian word meaning "silver-bearing." Also based on Pima Indianword "arizonac" for "little spring place."

Arizona’s State Nickname “The Grand Canyon State” celebrates its most famous natural feature, the Grand Canyon. Arizona's other nickname “Copper State” celebrates its fabulous mineral wealth.

State Bird of Arizona Arizona's state bird, the Cactus Wren is seven to eight inches long and likes to build nests in the protection of thorny desert plants like the arms of the giant saguaro cactus. It builds many nests but lives in only one. The rest are decoys. Arizona adopted the cactus wren as its state bird in 1973.

State Mammal Ringtail

Arizona State Flower In 1901 the saguaro’s blossom was adopted as the official territorial flower, and later, in 1931, it was confirmed as the state flower. The saguaro cactus typically blooms in May and June. It is one of the most unique state flowers, and is characterized by having a waxy feel, but fragrant aroma. There may be hundreds of flowers on a saguaro cactus that bloom just several at a time over a period of more than a month. The saguaro flowers have a short life; they open at night and close permanently during the next day. Many of the blossoms will become pollinated and, later in the summer, the flowers become red-fleshed fruits that are enjoyed by the local bird population.

Arizona State Tree Arizona State Tree is the Yellow Palo Verde.

Arizona’s License Plates

Utah’s Square Mileage Area: 84,904 sq. mi., 13 th largest in the U.S. Arizona’s Square Mileage Area: 114,006 sq. mi., 6 th largest in the U.S.

Arizona’s Statehood Arizona became the 48 th state on February 14, Arizona’s Major Cities Phoenix Tucson Mesa

Arizona’s Geography Highest Point: Humphrey’s Peak; 12,633 feet, 12 th highest in the U.S. Lowest Point: Colorado River; 70 feet, 27 th lowest in the U.S. Part of the Four Corners Region

Arizona’s Rivers Colorado River Little Colorado Verde River Salt River Gila River Santa Cruz River San Pedro River

Arizona’s State Governor This is Arizona’s State Governor her name is Jan Brewer.

Arizona’s Famous People 1) Geronimo Apache Indian chief, Arizona Territory 2) Lynda Carter actress, Phoenix 3) Barry Goldwater politician, Phoenix 4) Apache Kid Indian outlaw, Arizona Territory 5) Cesar Estrada Chavez labor leader, Yuma 1) Geronimo Apache Indian chief, Arizona Territory 2) Lynda Carter actress, Phoenix 3) Barry Goldwater politician, Phoenix 4) Apache Kid Indian outlaw, Arizona Territory 5) Cesar Estrada Chavez labor leader, Yuma

Arizona State Parks Arizona three national parks. It has 12 national monuments – more than any other state. When you visit, you will see Arizona’s many natural and man- made wonders.

Arizona Pictures Arizona." wikipedia. adia foundation, Inc.,. 31 Mar 2009.

Arizona’s Coin

Cited Work Arizona." Wikipedia. adia foundation, Inc.,. 31 March Ross, Wilma. Fabulous Facts about 50 State. 4th. New York : Scholastic,1997. (Ross 20,119)