The Papago Native American Tribe, also referred to as O’odham Native American Tribe, is native to the area in Arizona around the Gila River. This tribe existed in close proximity to the Pima Tribe. Ali-shonak is a Papago word meaning "little springs,” and is commonly believed to be the origin of Arizona’s name. Experts have also suggested that the word Arizona could be derived from the Pima term for "little spring place.” The third possibility is that the name is derived from the Aztec word "arizume,” which translates to "silver-bearing.” All of these cultures had major influence in the early history of Arizona.
Arizona’s landscapes had influence on its name. Most of Arizona is covered in desert, and the only water sources for miles around are often small springs. Water is a highly valued commodity in the desert, and Native American tribes had spiritual beliefs about the divinity of water. This is why they would discuss bodies of water on a regular basis. The lives of Native Americans depended greatly on the availability of water.
There are several highly-productive silver mines in Arizona. In fact, silver is a very popular commodity in the South-western United States and Mexico. The Aztecs and Mexican culture have influence in the South-western United States. Silver was used to create ceremonial objects in Aztec religion.
Americans who moved to Arizona from the East would have been aware of the presence of the Papago and Pima tribes, as well as the influence of the Aztecs in the region. They most likely used the words that the native people used to describe the land. Several states such as Michigan, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Connecticut, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, and Ohio were named in this way. The origin of the name Arizona is questionable, but the general consensus is that the name was derived from a Native language.
Arizona’s landscapes had influence on its name. Most of Arizona is covered in desert, and the only water sources for miles around are often small springs. Water is a highly valued commodity in the desert, and Native American tribes had spiritual beliefs about the divinity of water. This is why they would discuss bodies of water on a regular basis. The lives of Native Americans depended greatly on the availability of water.
There are several highly-productive silver mines in Arizona. In fact, silver is a very popular commodity in the South-western United States and Mexico. The Aztecs and Mexican culture have influence in the South-western United States. Silver was used to create ceremonial objects in Aztec religion.
Americans who moved to Arizona from the East would have been aware of the presence of the Papago and Pima tribes, as well as the influence of the Aztecs in the region. They most likely used the words that the native people used to describe the land. Several states such as Michigan, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Connecticut, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, and Ohio were named in this way. The origin of the name Arizona is questionable, but the general consensus is that the name was derived from a Native language.