A Little-Known Moment in Arizona History

Granville H. Oury

Tuesday marks the anniversary of Arizona's statehood. On Feb. 14, 1912, it became the 48th state, but 50 years earlier, it became part of the Confederate States of America--even before it became part of the United States. A year later, Arizona became part of the United States when it became a U.S. territory on Feb. 24, 1863.

Granville Henderson Oury of Tucson (1825-1891) was the territory's delegate to the Confederate Congress, and a historical marker near the town of Florence commemorates his service. Oury is buried in the Masonic Cemetery in Florence, where he practiced law after serving as a territorial representative, the territorial attorney general, and a Congressional representative.

During the war, Oury served as captain of Herbert’s Battalion, Arizona Cavalry, Confederate Army. He took the oath of allegiance at Fort Mason, Arizona, in October 1865. Before moving to Arizona, Oury mined in Marysville, California, during the Gold Rush.