ABSTRACT
The name for the state of Arizona originated from an area south and west of Nogales that the Papago Indians called Arizonac, meaning "the place of little springs." A very rich silver strike was made there in 1736, with almost pure silver found on the surface. Many Spaniards moved there, and their mining camp named Real de Arizona (the final "c" having been dropped by the Spanish) became well known. The whole area was soon known by the Papago word Arizona, and in time the name was given to an entire state to the north (Map 1,1).
