9 Surprising Firsts That Arizona Can Proudly Claim

Attention, Arizona trivia lovers! Suppose 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. In that case, you may want to make sure you have these Arizona firsts in your arsenal. These Arizona history facts highlight some of the state’s most surprising ‘firsts’ that shaped both local and national culture.

1. Prescott, Arizona: Home of the First Rodeo in 1888

This rodeo, known as the World's Oldest Rodeo, is still held annually every summer. Visitors today can attend the rodeo each July during Prescott Frontier Days, where events include bull riding, barrel racing, and family-friendly parades. Prescott itself also offers historic downtown dining and walkable attractions.

2. Arizona Leads the Way with the First Bilingual Education Program 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. Arizona First Made the Bolo Tie Its Official Neckwear in 1971

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. Arizona Pioneered Online Voter Registration in 2002

Do you remember when you first registered to vote? In 2002, a wave of new voters was able to register online rather than in person. That is how I first registered to vote when I entered college that same year. Arizona’s pioneering online voter registration system made civic participation more accessible, setting a precedent later followed by dozens of other states.

5. In 1990, Arizona Hired the Nation’s First Full-Time Bat Biologist

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. Arizona is home to dozens of bat species, and this program helps protect both bats and ecosystems.

6. Arizona Became the First State to Restrict Smoking in Public Buildings

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. Arizona First Established the Historic Route 66 Association

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 numerous small towns located along the highway to continue thriving. Arizona’s portion of Route 66 is still celebrated with roadside diners, classic motels, and neon signs. Towns like Seligman and Winslow welcome travelers eager to relive the nostalgia of America’s most iconic road trip.

8. Arizona First Required Ignition Interlock Devices for DUI Offenders

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. This program, which began in the 2000s, was designed to improve road safety statewide. Other states quickly followed Arizona’s lead.

9. Arizona Was Home to the Nation’s First Master-Planned Retirement Community

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? If you are aware of any other Arizona inventions or firsts, please share them with us through our nomination page. You may see your suggestions included in an upcoming article, if you don't mind.

Don't forget to check out our previous article to discover one of our favorite things 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 resembles it but has a fraction of the crowds?

Planning an Arizona adventure? Don’t forget to use the Only In Your State Itinerary Planner to create your personalized trip filled with unique attractions and hidden gems.