From the first female Supreme Court Justice to a devastating wildfire, several events have occurred in Arizona that made a lasting impact on our country. These nine historic events, both triumphant and tragic, will never escape the memory of anyone born in the Grand Canyon State.
- Miranda v. Arizona. (1966)
Wikipedia Whether or not you were alive at the time, this landmark Supreme Court decision was one of the most influential to our entire country. The fundamental right to remain silent is a crucial aspect of due process, and it all started right here.
- The first woman in history becoming a Supreme Court Justice. (1981)
Wikipedia Sandra Day O’Connor came from humble beginnings, growing up on a rural Southern Arizona ranch. Her swing opinion on matters such as affirmative action and gay rights led to several historic verdicts.
- America’s largest nuclear power plant going online. (1985)
Wikipedia Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station leads the nation in nuclear power production.
- Lori Piestewa was the first Native American woman to be killed in combat. (2003)
Wikipedia The namesake for Piestewa Peak, this Hopi woman from Tuba City was killed in action. Her death was caused by wounds she received during a firefight in Iraq.
- The shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. (2011)
Wikipedia While meeting with constituents, Giffords was seriously injured by Gunman Jared Loughner. Six people were killed and 13, including the Congresswoman, were injured.
- Yarnell Hill Fire. (2013)
Wikipedia 19 members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots were killed in this deadly blaze and 12 days passed before it was fully contained, making it the most catastrophic wildfire ever to burn in Arizona.
- Phoenix VA Scandal. (2014)
Wikimedia Commons Up to 40 Arizona veterans died while awaiting treatment because of an administrative deadlock. That opened the floodgates and revealed similar situations in other states, ultimately resulting in the firing of several officials.
- Gay marriage legalization. (2014)
Flickr/rd76pag This historic decision overturned the 1996 statute outlawing same-sex marriage. The ban was determined to be unconstitutional after two lawsuits challenged it.
- Kayla Mueller’s murder by ISIS. (2015)
Flickr/nainokin Kayla Mueller was an aid worker from Prescott, captured by ISIS after traveling to Syria in 2013. Her imprisonment was initially kept secret, but gained international attention after she was killed.
Do you have personal memories associated with any of these events? If so, we’d be honored for you to share.
Wikipedia
Whether or not you were alive at the time, this landmark Supreme Court decision was one of the most influential to our entire country. The fundamental right to remain silent is a crucial aspect of due process, and it all started right here.
Sandra Day O’Connor came from humble beginnings, growing up on a rural Southern Arizona ranch. Her swing opinion on matters such as affirmative action and gay rights led to several historic verdicts.
Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station leads the nation in nuclear power production.
The namesake for Piestewa Peak, this Hopi woman from Tuba City was killed in action. Her death was caused by wounds she received during a firefight in Iraq.
While meeting with constituents, Giffords was seriously injured by Gunman Jared Loughner. Six people were killed and 13, including the Congresswoman, were injured.
19 members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots were killed in this deadly blaze and 12 days passed before it was fully contained, making it the most catastrophic wildfire ever to burn in Arizona.
Wikimedia Commons
Up to 40 Arizona veterans died while awaiting treatment because of an administrative deadlock. That opened the floodgates and revealed similar situations in other states, ultimately resulting in the firing of several officials.
Flickr/rd76pag
This historic decision overturned the 1996 statute outlawing same-sex marriage. The ban was determined to be unconstitutional after two lawsuits challenged it.
Flickr/nainokin
Kayla Mueller was an aid worker from Prescott, captured by ISIS after traveling to Syria in 2013. Her imprisonment was initially kept secret, but gained international attention after she was killed.
For more Arizona history, check out These 9 Arizona Hiking Trails Lead To Some Incredible Pieces Of History
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