Historical Marker
In Memory of Max Ortega
Historical marker location:
Lupton, Arizona
( Marker can be reached from Interstate 40 at milepost 359.)
Marker installed: 1994
1905-1979.
The first documented European exploration of Arizona was in 1539: Spanish explorer Marcos de Niza became the first European to explore what is now Arizona in 1539. He claimed the area for Spain and named it "Arizona" after a Native American word meaning "silver-bearing."