9781422286227

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The West: Arizona, California, Nevada

For much of the colonial period (1540–1821), few Spanish settled in Arizona. In the 1620s, Franciscans established an unsuccessful mission in Hopi territory. Almost 70 years later, Father Eusebio Kino founded a more successful Jesuit missions in Tohono O’odham country. Still, the 1700s were marked by periods of attempted settlement, revolts by Native Americans, and increasing Spanish military presence. When Mexico became independent from Spain in 1821, Arizona, as well as the rest of the southwest, became part of that new country. Arizona later became U.S. territory as part of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the U.S. War against Mexico 1848. Originally, Arizona was part of the New Mexico Territory. Its southern border was the Gila River. In 1853, however, the U.S. bought 30,000 square miles (77,700 sq km) south of the river from Mexico. Mining helped the area grown in importance. In 1854, Charles Poston, known as the “Father of Arizona,”

Charles Poston was a miner and politician who played a key role in the establishment of Arizona as a U.S. territory. He later held several impor-

tant positions in the government of the Arizona Territory.

began mining silver in Tubac. Poston’s mines produced $3,000 worth of silver a day (about $85,000 in today’s dol- lars). In 1861 Poston personally trav- eled to Washington, D.C. to lobby President Lincoln to make Arizona a separate territory. Lincoln granted Arizona territorial status in 1863. Mining and ranching increased tensions with Native Americans throughout the late 19th century. The newcomers mined and drove cattle on Native American lands. Military lead- ers attempted to subdue natives. Kit Carson led a small army against the Navajo in 1863. When the the Indians did not surrender, Carson’s party killed the men, burned fields, and marched women and children to a