Arizona celebrates its birthday at state Capitol

by Staff reports – Feb. 15, 2011 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic

Arizona turned 99 on Monday.

The celebration at the state Capitol kicked off a “Countdown to Centennial” campaign leading up to the 2012 centennial.

The event included singing, dancing and a sampling of more than 80 legacy projects. School kids are working on a penny drive to raise money to refurbish the state Capitol’s copper dome, which hasn’t been polished in 15 years.

Gov. Jan Brewer also signed into a law a bill recognizing the “Grand Canyon State” as Arizona’s official nickname.

The Arizona Republic is publishing headlines from 100 years ago in celebration of Arizona’s centennial next year. Find the stories that made news on B2 every day.