2nd Arizona Territorial Legislature

The Governor's address was given by Acting Governor Richard C. McCormick on December 11, 1865.[6] During the address he called for general legislation, as opposed to special enactments, to clear up legal problems dealing with mine ownership within the territory. Other issues involved creation of jails to hold law breakers and encouraging agriculture by settlers and "tame Indians" to provide food to the territory's population.[7]

The first act of the session was the creation of Pah-Ute County from the northern part of Mohave County. Upon the recommendation of Acting Governor McCormick, the county was created to serve the needs of a rapidly growing population of farmers along the Colorado River. The county seat was initially located in Callville but later moved to the town of St. Thomas. On May 5, 1866, the United States Congress gave most of the new county's territory to the State of Nevada.[8][9]

Two changes to marriage laws made. First established Arizona as a community property jurisdiction. The second prohibited marriage of a white person to an Indian, Mongoloid, Mulatto, or Negro. This anti-miscegenation law remained on the books for nearly 100 years before being eliminated in the midst of a court case involving a person of Japanese descent marrying a white person.[10][11]

Other legislation passed included two new taxes. The first an ad valorem tax of US$0.25 per $100 of assessed value passed, the second a poll tax of $3.00 for everyone except Indians, Mongoloids, and Negros. Three member Board of Supervisors were authorized to oversee affairs in each county. Finally, December 4, 1865, was set for the opening date of the first session of the territorial supreme court.[10]

In addition to the legislation, a concurrent resolution expressing sorrow over the death of Abraham Lincoln was passed.[12]