When it comes to historical facts, Arizona is known for its Wild West days. However, Arizona holds a treasure trove of fascinating stories. Let’s dive into some of the coolest historical facts about Arizona that you may not know.

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1. Phoenix Was Almost Named “Pumpkinville.” (Sort of)

In the mid-1800s, when settlers first arrived in Phoenix, they found fields of pumpkins growing where the Hohokam Native tribes had once established an intricate system of canals. These canals had been built to irrigate crops, and when settlers came across them, they were impressed by the thriving agriculture in the region. A small settlement named Pumpkinville did pop up 4 miles west of modern Phoenix, but was never considered while naming Phoenix.

2. The Arizona Rangers Tackled Crime in the Wild West

Arizona’s early reputation was tied to its lawlessness and rough frontier mentality, a land dominated by outlaws, cattle rustlers, and robbers. However, in 1901, Arizona’s Governor created the Arizona Rangers, an elite law enforcement group inspired by the Texas Rangers, to clean up the lawlessness. Within seven years, they had purged much of the crime and corruption that plagued the territory. While the Rangers were disbanded in 1909, their impact was significant.

3. Arizona Had a “Navy” During the 1930s

In 1934, Arizona declared a unique “war” against California over the construction of the Parker Dam. This resulted in the formation of the Arizona Navy, a makeshift fleet of boats sent to disrupt the dam’s construction. Though the Navy was quickly defeated (one of their boats ran aground and had to be rescued by California workers), the event became a hilarious and odd chapter in the state’s history.

4. Arizona Was Once Home to Camels in the 1850s

In one of the more bizarre episodes of Arizona’s history, the U.S. Army experimented with camels as pack animals and desert cavalry in the mid-1800s. In 1855, the Army imported 77 camels to Arizona for use in military and transportation duties, particularly in the Southwest’s arid terrain. However, the experiment was short-lived, as the camels were released into the wild after the project was deemed unsuccessful. According to folklore, one particular camel, known as the Red Ghost, gained notoriety for carrying a human skeleton on its back, making it the subject of wild and creepy tales.

5. The London Bridge Was Moved to Arizona

Yes, you read that right. In 1968, the original London Bridge, which spanned the River Thames, was dismantled and shipped to Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Entrepreneur Robert P. McCulloch purchased the bridge and had it reconstructed as a tourist attraction. Today, the London Bridge is one of Arizona’s most iconic landmarks, offering visitors the chance to walk across a piece of history while enjoying the beautiful views of Lake Havasu.

6. Arizona Was Home to the Largest U.S. POW Escape

Arizona was the site of the largest POW escape on U.S. soil during World War II, which occurred at the Papago Park internment camp in Phoenix. In 1944, a small group of German POWs managed to escape from the camp by digging a tunnel, and they went on to hide in the desert for weeks. Their escape, though dramatic, was eventually thwarted as the prisoners were captured.

7. Arizona Has the Oldest Continuously Inhabited Community in North America

The Hopi village of Old Oraibi, located on the Third Mesa in northern Arizona, is the oldest continuously inhabited community in North America. Founded more than 1,000 years ago, the village has been home to the Hopi people throughout history. It remains a spiritual and cultural center for the Hopi tribe, where traditions are passed down through generations, preserving the ancient ways of life.

8. Arizona Has Played a Key Role in America’s Military History

Arizona’s Fort Huachuca, located in southeastern Arizona, played a critical role in U.S. military history, especially during the Indian Wars. The fort is also famous for being home to the Buffalo Soldiers, African American soldiers who fought in the frontier’s most challenging battles.

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9. The First McDonald’s Drive-Thru Was Born in Arizona

Arizona is home to the first-ever McDonald’s drive-thru, which was established in Sierra Vista, Arizona, in the 1940s. This invention came about when the local military base prevented soldiers from entering restaurants while in uniform. McDonald’s, ever the innovator, created the drive-thru to serve soldiers without them needing to leave their vehicles. The idea quickly took off, and drive-thru service is now a staple of the fast-food industry worldwide.

Arizona/McDonald’s lore doesn’t stop there; Sedona is home to the only blue McDonald’s “M” in the world. Learn more by reading this article.

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