"The 50 States Project," a 50-song album covering the basic history, geography, and economic structure of each state in the U.S. http://lodgemccammon.com/ Lyrics/Explanation - 1st Verse: Marcos de Niza First European here in 1539 Coronado's search for the cities of gold Didn't leave him far behind Still Spain developed this territory 'Til Mexico said "hey, we're fine" Nuevo California A part until a war with these United States Mexico, they lost and were - paid off in 1848 Giving up the land in our southwest That would later confederate Explanation: In 1539 Marcos de Niza, a Spanish Franciscan, was the first European to arrive in Arizona (AZ). De Niza reported that he had seen a gold city in his travels, so Coronado, a Spanish explorer, traveled to what is now AZ in 1540, searching for the Seven Cities of Gold. For about 300 years Spain developed this land. Then Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821 and what is now AZ was controlled by Mexico, part of a territory they called "Nuevo California." The United States beat Mexico in the Mexican-American War and purchased land in the southwest territory (including what is now AZ) for $15 million in 1848. AZ was part of New Mexico at the start of the Civil War and joined the confederacy. Chorus: So much more than the old school western half of New Mexico Arizona - the copper state, where the Grand Canyon shows We got the 48th, the last contiguous role And Phoenix - our city of gold Explanation: Jefferson Davis referred to the western half of New Mexico as "Arizona." And in 1863 the western half of New Mexico was officially declared by Abraham Lincoln as the Arizona Territory. AZ is called the Copper State due to the importance of that mineral to the economic history. It is also called the Grand Canyon State because the largest part of the Grand Canyon resides in the north. AZ was the 48th state to be admitted to the United States on Feb.14th, 1912. It was the last contiguous state to be admitted. Arizona. Phoenix, the capital of AZ, could be considered a modern city of gold due to its growth and thriving economy. 2nd Verse: North Arizona We've got the forests, mountains and the Colorado Plateau The Grand Canyon is picturesque Moderate temperatures and some snow Then in the south - basin-ridge desert Continues into Mexico A southwest state Where we can meet at the quadpoint at the Four Corners Where Colorado, and New Mexico, and Utah with us collide We have some southern desert borders In the east we have Alpine Explanation: In the north you will find many forests, mountains, the Grand Canyon, and the Colorado Plateau. The north has seasons with moderate temperatures and many of the mountain areas get snow. In the south you will find the Basin and Ridge area known for deserts, hot summers and very mild winters. The southern border of AZ is the northern border of Mexico which shares the Basin and Ridge desert climate. AZ is located in the southwest of the U.S. The Four Corners States (AZ, NM, CO, UT) all meet at a point in the Colorado Plateau called the quadpoint. The southern border of AZ is largely desert and a well-known ski town is Alpine. Bridge: Ditat Deus carved on a trunk of a Pablo Verde In the hot dry sun of the Sonoran desert Just south of Tucson While a Cactus Wren lets out a warning In the north canyons And glides over a field of Saguaro Blossoms Over Sedona and Williams Explanation: State Motto: Ditat Deus (God enriches) State Tree: Pablo Verde The desert in south AZ is called the Sonoran Tucson is a significant city in southern AZ State Bird: Cactus Wren State Flower: Saguaro Blossom Sedona and Williams are smaller town in northern AZ 3rd Verse: Before the Great Depression Copper and cotton were the economic kings After the 20s tourism boomed From dude ranches like Flying V Experience the old west With real cowboy amenities We're air conditioned So after the Second World War, the people flocked Snowbirds, or retirement, for vacation or a ski stop Copper, cotton, cattle, citrus, climate Five C's, yea we've got a lot Explanation: Before the Great Depression, copper and cotton were the main economic contributions In the 20s and 30s, tourism thrived with people from all over the country and the world visiting to experience the old west by spending time at dude ranches like the KL Bar and Flying V. After World War II, and the invention of air conditioning, the population boomed. Retirement communities became very popular as older people came for the warm dry climate. AZ also grew as a vacation spot for people wanting to ski at resorts such as Flagstaff and Alpine. Snowbirds, those who spend their summers in the north and winters in the south, flocked to AZ because of the warm dry climate and existence of air conditioning throughout the 1900s. Today AZ has five major economic contributions (called the Five C's): Copper, cotton, cattle, citrus, climate. Copyright © 2013 Dr. Lodge McCammon

• published: 13 Sep 2013
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