Like the extremes of its land, Arizona has been shaped by powerful—and sometimes disastrous—events. Even in its relatively short history as both a territory and a state, Arizona and its residents have seen seismic shifts in religion, politics and fashion.

Mormons settled in the Gila Valley in the early 1880s, including in Pima, which, per capita, lost more soldiers in World War II than any other municipality in America.

Arizona originally was denied statehood for being too liberal.

And the state has government-sanctioned neckwear.