By Ann
The name “Arizona” descends from the Indian word "arizonac", which means “short spring”. Arizona is the state of the high mountains, narrow canyons, green meadows and deserts. Arizona is situated on the South-West of the United States. It’s called “the state of the Grand Canyon”.
Thousands years ago Arizona was inhabited by the Navajo tribe. The history of the state of Arizona began on 14 February 1912, when Arizona became the 48th state of the United States of America. Arizona the sixth biggest state in the country.
The capital of the state is the city of Phoenix. It’s the largest city in the state. Its architecture can be described as a mix of the Spanish and Mexican styles. Phoenix Botanical Garden is full of cactuses of every shape!
State’s main attraction is Grand Canyon. It lies between two lakes. Grand Canyon is a complex of small canyons, waterfalls, graves put all together. Some archeological finds shows that the place was inhabited about 4000 years ago. Now it’s a natural reserve. Canyon has 365 km in length and 29 km in its widest part. The depth of the canyon in some parts reaches 1,6 km. There are no bridges across the canyon and those desiring to get from north to the south will have to make more than 300 kilometers trip (although the direct distance is 19 kilometers).
Deep down in canyon flows Colorado river. From 1,5 km height it looks small, but actually it’s very rapid and powerful river. Esplanada – red sandstone terrace looks especially impressive during the sunset. Now this place is very popular among tourists. Some courageous people dare to make pedestrian trips along the canyon, but the most of the tourists prefer buses.
Flagstaff is a cultural oasis in Arizona deserts. Very picturesque place, once having been the railway station, look much more different than usual American small towns with a couple of motels and bars along highways. Ancient hotels neighbor here with the vegetarian cafes and the most popular music here is jazz. Lowell observatory is famous for the fact that the planet Pluto was discovered here in 1930. Flagstaff, built along the famous Route 66 can be called the gates to the Grand Canyon. The way from Phoenix to Flagstaff takes about 3 hours.
There are some other interesting places in Arizona. Sunset crater – is the national monument. It was erupted for the last time 800 years ago, but its slopes are still deserted and covered with the ash and the black clinker.
Wupatki National Monument consists of the several ancient Indian settlements in the plain. The place was inhabited till 1250 AD and then was left because of volcano eruption.
Monument Valley impresses with the really Martian landscapes created by the huge red rocks of the odd forms.
The crossroad of the four states borders Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico is called Four Corners and is also worth visiting.
The significant part of Arizona is occupied by Navajo reservation. Indians here live in poverty and the main income comes from tourists. Souvenirs are sold everywhere in reservation.
Article Source: www.ArticlesBase.com
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