I have been asked to file something new for this website about the centennial of Arizona’s statehood. I’m finding this difficult, because it seems to me to be sort of an artificial landmark.Don’t get me wrong. Even though I have lived here for a long time, and am not a true native Arizonan, I am nonetheless happy to be here.
Arizona’s history was shaped by an eclectic group of people from very different backgrounds. Learn how some of our communities originated and who left their footprint on today’s culture.
On May 19, 1969, while shivering in my front yard in Jamestown, North Dakota, with a shovel in my hand, a well-rehearsed litany of curses emerged from my frosted lips as I set about removing a small portion of the foot of snow that had plopped down upon us the previous evening. But then, as I swore and shoveled and shoveled and swore in rhythmic fashion, a strange calm came upon me with the realization that life is too short.
By and large, the history of the fur trade in the Southwest regions has been left out of the mainstream of American history. Trappers like Walker, Bridger, Fitzpatrick and especially Carson have become American legends and folk heroes, their fame coming primarily from exploits in the northern Rockies…
Thank you to all of the new and loyal readers of Arizona Oddities. 2011 has been an amazing year and we look forward to 2012. We believe we have a truly special publication and a very special audience. Here’s a look at our most popular posts of 2011.
Drum roll please…
