Attention, Arizona trivia lovers! If you think you may one day end up on Jeopardy or any other trivia-based game show and a question is asked about our beautiful state, you may want to make sure you have these answers in your arsenal.
- The first official rodeo was held in Prescott in 1888.
Dagny Gromer/Flickr This rodeo, known as the World’s Oldest Rodeo, is still held annually every summer.
- Arizona was the first state to provide bilingual education in the 1960s.
US Department of Education/Flickr 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.
- Starting in 1971, Arizona was the first state to have an official neckwear: the bolo tie.
Woody Hibbard/Flickr We’re a trendsetter because in the decades following that decree, New Mexico and Texas each designated the unique tie as their states’ neckwear.
- Do you remember when you first registered to vote? In 2002, a wave of new voters were able to register online rather than in-person.
Kate Sumbler/Flickr That is how I first registered to vote when I entered college that same year.
- Arizona was the first state to hire a full-time bat management position with the Game and Fish Department, starting in 1990.
Josh More/Flickr
- Arizona was the first state to restrict smoking in government buildings, hospitals, and many other public buildings in 1973.
Johnida Dockens/Flickr Thankfully, you no longer have to worry about the doctor sprinkling cigarette ash on you during a routine check up.
- The Historic Route 66 was first established in 1987 here in Arizona, paving the way for other states to keep the Mother Road alive.
Gouldy/Flickr It also helped plenty of small towns located along the highway to continue existing.
- 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.
VCU CNS/Flickr Hopefully, you never have to use one, reader.
- 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?
Simon Cunningham/Flickr 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 It was also the first to enforce age restrictions but this was repealed in 1999 after a 16-year-old attempted to live in the community.
What other interesting Arizona firsts do you know? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Dagny Gromer/Flickr
This rodeo, known as the World’s Oldest Rodeo, is still held annually every summer.
US Department of Education/Flickr
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.
Woody Hibbard/Flickr
We’re a trendsetter because in the decades following that decree, New Mexico and Texas each designated the unique tie as their states’ neckwear.
Kate Sumbler/Flickr
That is how I first registered to vote when I entered college that same year.
Josh More/Flickr
Johnida Dockens/Flickr
Thankfully, you no longer have to worry about the doctor sprinkling cigarette ash on you during a routine check up.
Gouldy/Flickr
It also helped plenty of small towns located along the highway to continue existing.
VCU CNS/Flickr
Hopefully, you never have to use one, reader.
Simon Cunningham/Flickr
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.
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