1. Arizona became a state on February 14, 1912, but on January 2, 1959, it made history by becoming the first state to hold a public execution via gas chamber. The gas chamber, which was located at the Arizona State Prison Complex in Florence, was used to execute convicted murderer Robert Alton Harris.

2. On January 2, 1935, construction began on the Hoover Dam, which would go on to become one of the most iconic structures in the state of Arizona. The Hoover Dam is located on the Colorado River, on the border between Arizona and Nevada, and its construction helped to bring electricity and water to the region.

3. January 2, 1915, marked the opening of the Grand Canyon National Park. The park, which is located in northern Arizona, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state and attracts millions of visitors each year.

4. On January 2, 1911, the first hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, opened its doors. The St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center was founded by the Sisters of Mercy and has since become one of the largest hospitals in the state, providing medical care to patients from across the region.

5. January 2, 1960, was the day that the Phoenix Suns basketball team played their very first game. The Suns, who were founded in 1968, have since become one of the most beloved sports teams in the state, with a passionate fan base and numerous successful seasons.