Attention, Arizona trivia lovers! If you've ever wondered what things Arizona did first - or you think you may one day end up on Jeopardy! or any other trivia-based game show where a question could be asked about our beautiful state - you may want to make sure you have these Arizona firsts in your arsenal.
1. The first rodeo in Arizona was held in Prescott in 1888.
This rodeo, known as the World's Oldest Rodeo, is still held annually every summer.
2. Arizona was the first state to provide bilingual education in the 1960s.
For several generations of non-English speaking children, including my father and his siblings, this push did not come soon enough. It did, however, prevent plenty of other children from falling behind in classes simply because they did not speak English.
3. Starting in 1971, Arizona was the first state to have an official neckwear: the bolo tie.
We're a trendsetter because in the decades following that decree, New Mexico and Texas each designated the unique tie as their states' neckwear.
4. Do you remember when you first registered to vote? In 2002, a wave of new voters were able to register online rather than in person.
That is how I first registered to vote when I entered college that same year.
5. Arizona was the first state to hire a full-time bat management position with the Game and Fish Department, starting in 1990.
This is definitely one of the most unique things invented in AZ.
6. Arizona was the first state to restrict smoking in government buildings, hospitals, and many other public buildings in 1973.
Thankfully, you no longer have to worry about the doctor sprinkling cigarette ash on you during a routine check up.
7. Historic Route 66 was first established in 1987 here in Arizona, paving the way for other states to keep the Mother Road alive.
It also helped plenty of small towns located along the highway to continue existing.
8. Arizona was also the first state to use ignition interlock devices for people who were convicted of a DUI to prevent future drunk driving incidents.
Hopefully, you never have to use one, reader.
9. And, finally, we all know Arizona is a popular retirement location. Did you know that it was also the site of the first master-planned retirement community?
Youngtown was founded in the 1950s and set the stage for plenty of other active adult communities. It was also the first to enforce age restrictions, but this was repealed in 1999 after a 16-year-old attempted to live in the community.
How many of these interesting Arizona firsts did you know? Share your thoughts in the comments. If you know of any other Arizona inventions or things Arizona did first, tell us about them via our nomination page. You just may see your suggestions featured in an upcoming article!
Don't forget to check out our previous article to discover one of our favorite things invented in AZ. And don't forget to show off your state pride with some gear from Wear Your Roots!
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/arizona/chimichanga-invented-in-az/
You may not have known about all of these fun facts about Arizona, but you certainly are familiar with the Grand Canyon. Did you know, however, that there's a lesser-known canyon that looks just like it but has a fraction of the crowds? Learn about Coal Mine Canyon in this YouTube video by us at OnlyInYourState:
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