Cattle, Cotton, Citrus, Copper and Climate
For much of the twentieth century, five words were used to explain Arizona’s economy: cattle, cotton, citrus, copper and climate. Each represented an industry or advantage that helped shape the state before today’s economy became so diversified.
Copper and Agriculture
Copper mining became one of Arizona’s defining industries, while irrigation transformed parts of the desert into productive farmland. Cotton and citrus became important crops, especially where water could be brought to fields. Ranching also remained a major part of rural Arizona life.
Climate Becomes an Industry
Arizona’s dry climate eventually attracted visitors, retirees and businesses as well as farmers and miners. The Five Cs are more than an old slogan—they provide a useful snapshot of how Arizona developed from a sparsely populated territory into a modern state.