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|date=February 14, 1912

|date=February 14, 1912

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'''Arizona''' on February 14, 1912 became the forty-eighth state to enter the union. It is known as the [[Grand Canyon]] State. Its capital and largest city is [[Phoenix (city)|Phoenix]].<ref>http://az.gov/</ref>

'''Arizona''' on February 14, 1912 became the forty-eighth state to enter the union, and the last of the "lower 48" (contiguous) states to enter. It is known as the [[Grand Canyon]] State. Its capital and largest city is [[Phoenix (city)|Phoenix]].<ref>http://az.gov/</ref>

Arizona has always been politically conservative, but until 1952 the conservative Democrats were in control.  Thanks to [[Barry Goldwater]], Republicans built a strong base and controlled the electoral vote.  In recent years, the state has gained population rapidly and the two parties are evenly matched.

Arizona has always been politically conservative, but until 1952 the conservative Democrats were in control.  Thanks to [[Barry Goldwater]], Republicans built a strong base and controlled the electoral vote.  In recent years, the state has gained population rapidly and the two parties are evenly matched.