I Love You Arizona

By Carley Carmean

February 14th is a special day, but it might not be for the reasons you think. February 14, 1912, Arizona became the 48th state to be invited into The United States of America. Fitting, considering how much love we all have for our state’s sunsets, grandiose caverns, and breathtaking views. We have a lot to love about our Copper state but why not add these to the list?

Located off historic Route 66 in Northern Arizona, we have our very own town called Valentine.

These days, it’s considered a ghost town, but it once received thousands of cards to be processed through their mail system sent for the expressed purpose of receiving the heart postmark. While the stamp has been relocated to the Kingman post office, there is no loss of love for the lost town of Valentine.

The world’s largest rose tree is right here within the borders of our home. What was planted and shared between friends has become a tree that covers 5000 square feet of the Rose Tree Museum patio. The tree blooms for 6 weeks between March and April.

Arizona is home to the largest turquoise mine in the United States, The Kingman Mine. Located in Golden Valley, the Kingman Mine mines Kingman Turquoise. A type of turquoise, as its name suggests, can only be found here, which is why in 1974 Turquoise was named Arizona’s state gemstone.