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:

1. Arizona produces 90% of the country's leafy green vegetables during the winter months.

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.

3. Those surreal, iconic landscapes you see in old western films? Plenty of those were filmed here in Arizona, like 1939's “Stagecoach.”

4. Arizona is the leading copper-producing state, accounting for 60% of the country's copper as of 2007.

5. The original TASER was first developed in the Scottsdale office of brothers Rick and Thomas Smith in 1974.

6. Hot climate swimmers, rejoice. Kool Deck, which helps prevent feet from searing on hot concrete, was first developed in 1962 Tucson as “Mortex.”

7. Scientology, that controversial religion that swept Hollywood, had its birthplace in Phoenix.

8. Apollo astronauts in the 1960s learned how to navigate the lunar landscape by training in northern Arizona.

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.

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

Monica Spencer

Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.