1. Arizona became a state on August 21, 1912. After centuries of inhabitation by various indigenous tribes and a short period of being a territory, Arizona was finally admitted as the 48th state to the United States.

2. On August 21, 1959, the Phoenix Zoo, one of the largest non-profit zoos in the U.S., opened its doors to the public. Today, the zoo is home to over 3,000 animals, with a focus on conservation, education, and research.

3. August 21, 1986, marked the dedication of the Hoover Dam Bypass, now known as the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. The bridge spans the Colorado River between Arizona and Nevada, providing a safer and more efficient route for travelers.

4. The first successful ascent of the Grand Canyon by a one-armed man was on August 21, 1989. Tom Whittaker, a British mountaineer who lost his right leg and arm in a car accident, climbed to the top of the 5,000-foot-deep canyon with the help of a climbing team and prosthetic devices.

5. On August 21, 2006, the Phoenix Suns basketball team announced the signing of NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal, a move that generated excitement and controversy among fans and analysts alike. Despite high expectations, O'Neal's tenure with the Suns was short-lived, but his arrival marked a significant moment in Arizona sports history.