ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Territorial evolution of Arizona

Hi there little one! Today, we're going to talk about the history of Arizona and how its shape and size have changed over time.

Arizona used to be inhabited by many different Native American tribes for thousands of years. Then, in the 1500s, Spanish explorers arrived and claimed the land as part of New Spain.

Fast forward to 1853, when the United States purchased a chunk of land called the Gadsden Purchase from Mexico. This land made up the southernmost part of Arizona today, and it was added to the Arizona Territory in 1863.

Arizona became a state in 1912, but even after that, its borders continued to change. Some land was added in the 1930s when the Hoover Dam was built, and in the 1960s when Lake Powell was formed.

So, to sum it up, Arizona's territory has changed over time due to exploration, purchases, and the construction of major projects. But no matter what changes occur, the state remains an important part of the United States with a rich history and diverse culture!