1. On December 30, 1853, the United States purchased a portion of present-day Arizona from Mexico as part of the Gadsden Purchase, which was signed by President Franklin Pierce. This agreement established the southern boundary of Arizona and allowed for the construction of a transcontinental railroad.

2. In 1886, famous frontiersman and lawman Wyatt Earp arrived in Tombstone, Arizona with his brother Virgil. They sought employment as deputy marshals and quickly became involved in the infamous O.K. Corral shootout.

3. On December 30, 1903, the first New Year's Day Rose Parade was held in Phoenix. The event was originally organized to promote Arizona's mild climate and attract tourists. Today, the parade is still held annually and features elaborate floats, marching bands, and equestrian units.

4. In 1916, the opening of the Roosevelt Dam provided irrigation water to the Salt River Valley, which transformed the arid desert into fertile agricultural land. The project was considered one of the greatest engineering feats of its time and helped spur economic growth in the region.

5. On December 30, 1996, the Arizona Cardinals played their final game at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe before moving to their current home at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. The Cardinals had played at Sun Devil Stadium since 1988 and had some memorable moments, including reaching the Super Bowl in 2008.