Arizona looked quite a bit different 50 years ago — from the shape of metro Phoenix, the professional sports uniforms, fashions and fads, and notable landmarks still under construction.
The Arizona Republic’s photo archives highlight some of the biggest moments of 1975, including major political firsts and big sports highlights in the Grand Canyon State. The photos also show the growth of the Valley of the Sun and everyday life moments.
Now that we have officially rung in 2025, let’s take a look back on 1975. Here are some notable events that occurred in Arizona 50 years ago.
Arizona’s first — and only — Latino governor enters office
In 1974, Raul Hector Castro was elected as the 14th governor of Arizona, making history as the first Mexican-American to hold the position. He took office in 1975.
During Castro’s short gubernatorial stint, he visited China on a trade mission and established a state film commission that tried to attract television and movie productions. Castro also stepped into the investigation of the 1976 car bombing of Arizona Republic reporter Don Bolles.