Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
When we think about the “founding fathers” of the United States, names like Washington and Jefferson may come to mind. But who would you consider Arizona’s “founding fathers?”
Long before statehood or borders, Arizona as we now know it was shaped, sustained, and stewarded by Indigenous communities who called it home. We asked Associate Professor of History at ASU and Yavapai-Apache Nation citizen Dr. Maurice Crandall to explore the leadership, culture, and history that truly built the foundation of the Grand Canyon State.
Who do you believe should be recognized?
When we think about the “founding fathers” of the United States, names like Washington and Jefferson may come to mind. But who would you consider Arizona’s “founding fathers?”
Long before statehood or borders, Arizona as we now know it was shaped, sustained, and stewarded by Indigenous communities who called it home. We asked Associate Professor of History at ASU and Yavapai-Apache Nation citizen Dr. Maurice Crandall to explore the leadership, culture, and history that truly built the foundation of the Grand Canyon State.
Who do you believe should be recognized?
