Here are 5 interesting facts about September 23 in Arizona history:

1. In 1909, the Pioneer Hotel in downtown Tucson opened its doors. It was a luxurious hotel that catered to wealthy travelers who came to Arizona for health reasons or to escape harsh winters. Today, the hotel has been converted into a student residence hall for the University of Arizona.

2. In 1912, Arizona became the 48th state to join the United States. This was a significant milestone for the state, as it had been a territory since the end of the Mexican-American War in 1848.

3. In 1961, the Arizona Cardinals (then known as the Phoenix Cardinals) played their first NFL game against the New York Giants. The Cardinals lost the game 37-7, but they would go on to become an important part of Arizona's sports culture.

4. In 1997, Elizabeth Dole officially opened the new Grand Canyon Airport. The airport was built to accommodate the growing number of tourists who wanted to see one of Arizona's most famous landmarks.

5. In 2009, the Tonto National Forest in Arizona was closed for several days due to the spread of the Tonto Basin Complex Fire. The fire burned more than 70,000 acres and destroyed several homes in the area. It was a reminder of the dangers of wildfires in Arizona's dry climate.