Add to ORKGRecently, recreation center activities have accelerated the growth. The prior appropriation of surface water for the lower agricultural valleys now limits the growth possibilities of these upper river areas. Settlement Since obtaining territorial status in 1863, Arizona has experienced a continuing growth pattern accelerated at times by mining activity, but provided a steady base by development of livestock and agricultural operations Early agricultural development, which supplied local military and mining community needs, continued to grow after railroad transportation became generally available by 1887. Growth has always been related to water supply and control and has been continuous since agriculture was placed on a firm productive b...