Arizona history Feb. 23-29
Sunday, Feb. 23
On this date in 1540, Francisco Vasquez de Coronado set out from Mexico in search of the Seven Cities of Cibola. His expedition was the first to explore what is now Arizona, and his men were the first Europeans to visit the Hopi Villages and to see the Grand Canyon.
On this date in 1931, 15 convicts escaped form the State Prison at Florence.
Monday, Feb. 24
On this date in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Territorial Act, creating the Territory of Arizona.
On this date in 1879, Apache County was created from Yavapai County.
On this date in 1897, reports were received from Tucson, Benson, Tombstone and Pantano, describing a brilliant meteor which passed over at a very low altitude.
On this date in 1901, the first Arizona state song, “Hail to Arizona, The Sun Kissed Land,” was sung in public for the first time at the dedication of the new Territorial Capitol.
On this date in 1929, the Pima County Fair was leveled by high winds and closed. Winds of up to 80 mph (129 kph) were recorded.
Tuesday, Feb. 25
On this date in 1864, Gov. John Noble Goodwin instructed U.S. Marshal Milton B. Duffield to take the first Arizona Territorial census.
On this date in 1881, the city of Phoenix was incorporated with a population of 1,780.
Wednesday, Feb. 26
On this date in 1837, Army Chaplin and Maj. Winfield Scott, for whom Scottsdale was named, was born. Scott homesteaded in the Scottsdale area while still serving at Fort Huachuca.
On this date in 1908, 200 prominent citizens of Douglas gathered in the new Gadsden Hotel for a “dollar dinner” to discuss and plan for the future of the young city of Douglas, then less than seven years old.
Thursday, Feb. 27
On this date in 1862, Confederate Capt. Sherod...