Posted in Arizona April 04, 2016 by

9 Undeniable Reasons Why The World Wouldn’t Be The Same Without Arizona

There’s no doubt that Arizonans have plenty of reasons to be proud of our state. We have incredible views, unique environments and diverse cultures. But did you know that our state has also contributed quite a bit into transforming the world? Here’s a look at nine ways in which the world would not be the same without Arizona:

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
1. Arizona produces 90% of the country's leafy green vegetables during the winter months.
Liz west/Flickr
2. The Miranda warning, also known as the Miranda Rights, came after a Supreme Court decision from the 1966 Miranda v. Arizona case. This warning reminds suspects of their rights when being taken into custody.
Houstondwiphotos/Flickr
3. Those surreal, iconic landscapes you see in old western films? Plenty of those were filmed here in Arizona, like 1939's “Stagecoach.”
Nicolas Vollmer/Flickr
4. Arizona is the leading copper-producing state, accounting for 60% of the country's copper as of 2007.
schizoform/Flickr
5. The original TASER was first developed in the Scottsdale office of brothers Rick and Thomas Smith in 1974.
texas.713/Flickr
6. Hot climate swimmers, rejoice. Kool Deck, which helps prevent feet from searing on hot concrete, was first developed in 1962 Tucson as “Mortex.”
Bryan Starbuck/Flickr
7. Scientology, that controversial religion that swept Hollywood, had its birthplace in Phoenix.
Thomas Hawk/Flickr
8. Apollo astronauts in the 1960s learned how to navigate the lunar landscape by training in northern Arizona.
NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center/Flickr
9. Love chimichangas? You're in luck, because they were invented right here. Macayo's in Phoenix and El Charro Cafe in Tucson are two of the restaurants that have claimed to have invented the deep fried dish.
Jefferyw/Flickr

So, what do you think? What other ways has Arizona helped change the world (whether for the better or worse)?