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The West: Arizona, California, Nevada

tlers. The Arizona territory remained a largely lawless place, especially in the mining towns that sprang up almost overnight. Gunfights settled many dis- agreements, as happened during the gunfight at OK Corral in Tombstone during October 1881. During the 1880s, the U.S. govern- ment laid two railroad lines through Arizona. By 1886, ranchers who before had only sold their cows in Arizona could now send them to mar- kets outside the territory. Railroad cars also hauled copper. The territory boomed. In the 1870s, fewer than 10,000 people had lived in Arizona. By 1900, that number was more than 120,000. Efforts to improve working condi- tions for many miners helped spur statehood. Labor organizers believed that conditions would not improve as long as Arizona remained a territory. In 1910, President Taft signed legisla- tion allowing Arizona to begin the process of statehood. On February 14, 1912, Arizona officially became the 48th state. World War I spurred growth of the

Kit Carson was a reluc- tant, though highly effec- tive, Indian fighter. Using merciless tactics to rid the area of Native Americans, he helped to change the face of the Southwest.

reservation at Bosque Redondo, New Mexico, more than 400 miles (644 km) away. Wars with various Native Americans continued in Arizona until 1886. That year, the Apache leader Geronimo surrendered his small fight- ing force. Fighting with Native Americans was not the only danger for many set-

The Apache leader Geronimo often fought against Mexican troops, but also clashed with Americans in the south- west.