Celebrating Centennial
An Arizona Valentine Bouquet
ARIZONA, STATE OF ROMANCE
Arizona celebrates the centennial of its statehood on February 14, because one hundred years ago a lovesick rancher took a detour to see his sweetheart. The story may not be true, but the romance is undeniable.
This is the true part.
For nearly twenty years, the citizens of Arizona Territory struggled to prove that they were worthy of joining the union. Finally, early in 1912, President Taft declared he would approve statehood. A delegation of dignitaries was selected to travel to Washington. At least some Arizonans wanted Arizona’s statehood day to occur on Lincoln’s Birthday, the twelfth of February.
Cowboy campfire
This is where the legend begins.
A story told around the campfire says a rancher from somewhere east of Tucson was one of those appointed to carry the statehood resolution to Washington. Let’s call the rancher Will. Some time during the backing-and-forthing over the elements of the statehood resolution, Will had taken some time off from politics to go to San Francisco where he saw the Ziegfield Follies. One of the dancing girls stole his heart. There was little likelihood he would see his long-legged beauty again. But men in love discover ways around obstacles.
Will assumed responsibility for the precious statehood papers, which he tucked into his inside coat pocket, not wanting to risk the possibility that a luggage thief might carry away Arizona’s chance at statehood. Arriving at the bustling railroad station in Washington, D.C. on February 9, Will’s heart raced at the thought of meeting the President of the United States in just three days.
As the group discussed transportation to their hotel and sights they would see in the next two days, Will noticed the signboards for departing trains. One destination stood out: Boston. Seeing that sign triggered a memory of his conversation with the lovely dancing lady. She had told him that she would be in that city in February.
Without bothering to explain to his friends, Will raced to a ticket window and bought a round-trip ticket to Boston. The short trip would not interfere with the scheduled meeting with the President on February 12, he reasoned, as he jumped on the train.
The little group of Arizona delegates soon realized that Will was missing, and then with dread, realized that Arizona’s legal papers were with him. There was nothing to do but retire to their hotel and hope he would show up. February 11 arrived and left with no Will and no Arizona statehood papers. February 12 came and went. On February 14, the delegation rejoiced to see Will strolling up from the railway station, showing no remorse for the consternation he had caused.
The White House made arrangements, President Taft signed the papers, and Arizona became a state on February 14.
And the dancing girl? Will proposed marriage and a few months later she arrived in Tucson. She was lonely at the remote ranch near Willcox where they lived, and decided to fix up some rooms and invite Easterners to come enjoy the Arizona sun. Under her hand, the cattle ranch expanded its scope and became a famous dude ranch. The former showgirl outlived Will and continued to play hostess to the rich and famous in the new state of Arizona, which celebrates its birthday on Valentine’s Day.
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Note: Back to the truth– Mrs. W.T. Webb, a famous showgirl turned dude ranch manager, ran the 76 Ranch on the southern slopes of Mt. Graham. Wilfred T. Webb, the tanned, square-jawed man who wooed her, served as a delegate to the Arizona Constitutional Convention and a member of the state legislature. There is more of interest in his background, including an indictment for stealing cattle as a young man, and an accusation that he was part of a family plot to rob a government payroll back in 1889. Allegedly, his father masterminded the WHAM robbery. According to the Arizona historical society lecture linked here, W.T. was married in 1889 to someone else, but I haven’t tracked down whether he was divorced in 1912. Mrs. Webb had a pretty colorful history, too, but that’s a whole other story.
Unfortunately, we cannot confirm that Webb went with the delegation to President Taft in 1912. The whole story may be confused with a better-documented problem he caused in the following year. According to newspapers of the time, Webb did make a detour in 1913 that made many people nervous. According to the Arizona Daily Star, January 29, 1913, Mr. Webb carried Arizona’s first electoral votes to Washington. He dallied in New York City, while worried Arizonans pursued him with telegrams. He belatedly delivered the votes to Congress for canvass, and collected his $641 in travel expenses.
However, in defense of those who told the legend of the Valentine State, newspapers from 1912 do hint that Republican politicians in the state wanted the state birthday to fall on Lincoln’s birthday.
You can read the whole story of Arizona statehood (without the romance part) in this article.
Vote for my article on WorldTravelist.com, sharing the best travel content on the web.
About the Author:
A freelance writer who loves to travel. When she is not traveling she is reading about travel. When she is not reading or traveling, she is sharing with the readers of A Traveler's Library, Reel Life With Jane and other websites. Also co-author of a biography, Quincy Tahoma, The Life and Legacy of a Navajo Artist. Contact Vera Marie by e-mail.
Vera Marie Badertscher – who has written 680 posts on A Traveler's Library.
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Tags: Arizona, Arizona Centennial, BlogSherpa, Graham County, Statehood, Tucson, USA
Great story and fascinating history. I love this kind of post
Margo would like you to read..11 Things to Love about Louisville, Kentucky
Lovely post and photos. I had no idea that Arizona was the Valentine’s state.
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Jane Boursaw would like you to read..Ten Facts About Downton Abbey: The Countess is in a Band, Mr. Carson Rides a Bike
I especially love Arizona for all the wonderful parks and green spaces. I’ve done a lot of hiking and bicycling in the state.
And do you know that there is now a trail clear across the state–north to south? The Arizona Trail??
Happy Anniversary, Arizona! I minored in history and find it all very fascinating.
This reminds me of the great quote from one of my favorite movies, “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance”: “This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend.” Wonderful story!
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ruth pennebaker would like you to read..I Have Seen the Men and They Are Desperate
Thanks, Ruth and I LOVE that quote!!
what a well told story, whether it’s fact or not. really like that cowboy campfire photo of yours too.
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Kerry Dexter would like you to read..Songs for Valentine’s Day
Thanks, Kerry. I’m rather fond of that photo, too.
Now that is a love story for valentines
Zablon Mukuba would like you to read..Things To Do in 2012
Isn’t it interesting how these stories develop over the years- with some element of truth and a lot of frosting. Arizona certainly has an adventurous time becoming a state and now I know why you called it the Valentine State
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Connie would like you to read..Memory Monday- Love is in the Air
Well, actually, it is the Valentine’s State because it was “born” on Feb. 14. I just gave it a story to justify the date. So you didn’t really LEARN anything–unless you subscribe to Ruth’s quote. (above)
What a fun story! I’d love to think it’s true.
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Kris would like you to read..Radish Leaf Pesto
“Id love to think it’s true.” I guess that is why I told the story. I WISH it were true. But once I found the newspaper article about the same guy delaying the delivery of Arizona’s first Presidential votes, I knew that the two stories wires got crossed.
Well my degree is in history and I found the romantic version absolutely charming. Besides, even what people insists is true may not be. So why not have some fun.
Enjoyed reading about Arizona Valentine’s Day.
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Pamela would like you to read..The Puppiness Project – Keep the Big Picture in Mind
Ah, good, I have the official sanction of an official historian.
Whether or not the story’s true, it’s a fun read and Will was certainly a rascal either way! Happy statehood and Valentine’s Day to Arizona, one of my most beloved states.
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Casey would like you to read..Unfolding the Story of the Heart-Shaped Box
I’m from New Mexico and had no idea Arizona was the Valentine state. Love it! Happy Valentine’s Day!
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Abby would like you to read..Chanel Fashion: Exclusive look at Numeros Prives
I love the flower picture. What a great choice in photos today. Happy Valentine’s Day!!
So charming to read about all of this history!
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Alisa Bowman would like you to read..How to Put the Love Back in Valentine’s Day
What an interesting story–I had no idea that AZ was so attached to Valentine’s day. If only the fact-checking revealed the legend had more merit. I like the way you tell it
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MyKidsEatSquid would like you to read..Dark chocolate apricot cheesecake with blackberry sauce
I love Arizona and have such a fondness for it always. I love visiting and, you know, I might not mind living there again someday!
Happy Birthday to Arizona. It’s one of my favorite places, although I must say I haven’t spent nearly enough time there lately!
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Sheryl would like you to read..Love Your Heart On Valentine’s Day (and all year long)
How sweet that a State owes its anniversary (or might do) to someone lovesick.
Cute.
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David Bennett would like you to read..Romancing The Ecards: Valentine’s Day Origins And Lore
Very interesting and colourful history Arizona has, whether it’s real or legend.
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Sophie would like you to read..Scenes from a Bahraini mall – empty elegance
Yes, Sophie, it is all interesting, and I’ll try to stick to the straight and narrow the rest of the week and redeem myself with my historian friends.