The admission of Arizona as the 48th state of the United States was a significant milestone in the nation's expansion. For years, Arizona had been a territory, first acquired by the United States in 1848 after the Mexican-American War. The growth of farming, mining, and ranching in the region prompted calls for statehood, but various political factors delayed this process. It wasn't until the turn of the century, with increasing population and economic stability, that the push for statehood gained momentum. The state constitution was drafted and approved in 1911, setting the stage for formal admission. President William Howard Taft signed the proclamation making Arizona a state on February 14, 1912. Arizona's statehood completed the contiguous United States, bringing the total number of states to 48. This event was significant not only for the state itself but also for the nation, as it represented the culmination of nearly a century of American expansion across the continent. Arizona's unique geography and culture would eventually contribute to the rich tapestry of the United States, fostering a distinctive identity within the nation.