To most of the country, February 14th is known as Valentines Day (you know, chocolate and love, unless you are single, then just CHOCOLATE!). Here in the Arizona we also know it as our great state’s birthday. It is said that Arizona was first explored in the 1500’s by the Spanish while they searched for Cibola, “the Seven Cities of Gold” (of course, we all know that Native Americans lived here for thousands of years prior to the Anglo “discovery” but that is a topic for a different day). The Spanish occupied the area until 1821 when Mexico won its independence from Spain. The land was later acquired by the U.S. through the Gadsdsen Purchase in 1853. Arizona was recognized as a Confederate Territory by presidential proclamation by Jefferson Davis on February 12, 1862 (which explains the southern hospitality you’ll find at The Motor Lodge). Arizona was the 48th state added to the Union (exactly fifty years after becoming a territory). Arizona is home to the Grand Canyon, the most wondrous of the seven natural wonders of the world. Our state boasts five major resources; climate, cattle, citrus, cotton and copper. Arizona is also known for its sunsets, saguaro cacti, turquoise, and the bola tie (the state’s “official neck wear”). Some well-known people that hail from Arizona, including, Cesar Chavez, Frank Lloyd Wright, Stevie Nicks (my favorite native), Linda Ronstadt, Alice Cooper, Steven Spielberg, and Lynda Carter…quite the eclectic group, huh?! Happy Birthday, Arizona! You’re lookin’ mighty fine for 98 years old!

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