1. On July 24, 1865, the first issue of the Arizona Miner was published in Prescott, Arizona. The paper became an important source of news for the rapidly growing territory and was eventually renamed the Weekly Journal-Miner.

2. On July 24, 1911, the great fire of Jerome started, which devastated the historic mining town. The fire destroyed over 30 city blocks and caused millions of dollars in damages. This event is still remembered as one of the most devastating disasters in Arizona's history.

3. On July 24, 1943, the Tuskegee Airmen, an all-black fighter pilot unit, arrived at the Phoenix airport to begin training. These pioneering pilots faced immense discrimination and prejudice but went on to earn an impressive combat record in World War II.

4. On July 24, 1957, the Hoover Dam, which straddles Arizona and Nevada, celebrated its opening ceremony. The dam is one of the largest and most important engineering projects in the world, providing hydroelectric power to millions of people across the American Southwest.

5. On July 24, 1982, the Salt River Project officially opened its new balloon festival park in Chandler, Arizona. The park hosts the annual Arizona Balloon Classic, which attracts thousands of visitors each year and has become a beloved tradition in the state.