Arizona's history began with Indigenous peoples, including the Hohokam, Ancestral Puebloans, and Navajo, who thrived in the region for thousands of years. European exploration started in the 16th century, with Spanish explorers arriving and establishing missions. The area became part of Mexico after its independence from Spain in 1821. In 1848, following the Mexican-American War, Arizona was ceded to the United States. It became a territory in 1863 and achieved statehood in 1912. The discovery of minerals, such as copper, fueled economic growth, while the development of agriculture and tourism further shaped Arizona's identity in the 20th century.