Arizona states of Sonora and Baja California. Arizona is the 48th state and last of the contiguous states to be admitted to the Union, achieving statehood on February 14, 1912, coinciding with Valentine's Day. Historically part of the territory of "Alta California" in New Spain, it became part of independent Mexico in 1821. After being defeated in the Mexican–American War, Mexico ceded much of this territory to the United States in 1848. The southernmost portion of the state was acquired in 1853 through the Gadsden Purchase. Southern Arizona is known for its desert climate, with very hot summers and mild winters.
48th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment of 16 fatalities. 48th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment The 48th Regiment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry was an infantry regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. The 48th Wisconsin was organized at Milwaukee, Wisconsin and mustered into Federal service in February and March 1865. It was organized under the supervision of Lieutenant Colonel Henry B. Shears, Colonel Uri B. Pearsall being at the time in service as lieutenant colonel of a colored regiment. The regiment was mustered out on March 24, 1866, at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. The 48th Wisconsin suffered 16 enlisted men who died of disease,