Discover the Oldest Town in Arizona

Arizona has a long history of exploration and living with respect for the land, even in a state where so much of the land is dry and hot. The history of Tucson, considered the oldest town in Arizona, is fascinating. It began as the home of indigenous tribes and was also the site of European settlements, a military installation, and a thriving center for Arizona culture. Tucson was part of Mexico before being purchased by the United States and these influences can be seen in everything from food to artwork.

The natural landscape of the Sonoran desert dominates Tucson, as well as multiple mountains around the city. Animals and plants that live in the area thrive in this hot, arid climate. Historic indigenous tribes and settlers used the desert landscape to develop their own adventurous spirit that can still be seen in Tucson today.

History of Tucson

Tucson is the second-largest city in Arizona, second only to Phoenix, the state capital. It is the home of the University of Arizona and is also known for its desert landscape. Much of its history includes settlements by the Spanish as well as Mexican-American communities.

Some of the oldest archaeological finds show that people lived in the Tucson area as early as 2100 BC. Pottery remnants from Hohokam culture are especially prevalent. This culture is seen throughout the Southwest, especially in Arizona. Historians believe that Hohokam tribes and people lived between 600 and 1450 AD. They built irrigation that helped them farm and grow crops in the dry Sonoran desert where they lived. Artifacts include distinct red pottery that you can see in museums in Tucson.

The Mission San Xavier del Bac was founded around 10 miles away in 1692 by a Catholic priest. It came under attack often, however, until the nearby military installation was founded. When it was founded in 1775, Tucson was the furthest point north in North America for Spain. Lt. Colonel Don Hugo O’Connor, Lt. Juan De Carmona, and Father Francisco Garces were responsible for the official beginning of the Presidio of San Agustín del Tucson. It was originally a military installation and garrison that developed into the city that it is today.

The city celebrates Founder’s Day on August 20th each year to commemorate the founding of Tucson. Some people argue that a different date should be celebrated because indigenous tribes were already living in permanent settlements in the area when the Presidio of an Agustín del Tucson was founded. Recent years saw greater efforts to highlight the culture and contributions of these tribes to the history of Arizona and its oldest city.

Life in the Southwest

Want to get an idea of what life was like in Tucson when it was first founded? The Presidio of San Agustin del Tucson Museum provides interactive exhibits and displays featuring what the Presidio would have looked like in its early days in 1775. Reenactors depict life for Native American tribes, Spanish settlers, and Presidio military personnel.

There are also a lot of walking tours around the Presidio and surrounding areas. The Turquoise Trail takes walkers downtown. They follow a turquoise-painted line on the sidewalk to go by historic sites such as the county courthouse, original adobe homes, historic Sonoran row homes, and businesses that played an important role in Tucson’s development. There are also views of spots where Native Americans and early settlers would keep a lookout for potential invaders.

A Place of Discovery

Tucson eventually became part of Mexico. It was in the Sonoran region, named after the Sonoran Desert. The time spent as a part of Mexico greatly influenced the culture and food of Tucson. Enjoy authentic and delicious Mexican food at one of the city’s many restaurants. Tucson is one of the top places to get Mexican food in the United States.

The United States gained Tucson along with other territory in 1854. The city was important to both the gold rush and the mail delivery of the time. However, numerous attacks on stagecoaches passing through by Native American warriors resulted in the route being shut down. Stagecoach robberies continued to be common, mostly due to the remote location of the roads through Tucson and the American Southwest. The later parts of the 1800s saw a lot of gunfights, including involvement from famous Deputy U.S. Marshall Wyatt Earp.

The city continued to grow and the University of Arizona began in 1885. However, the adventurous spirit of the early settlers and residents remains a part of Tucson’s culture. Mexican culture also plays an important role and Tucson’s time as a Mexican city is celebrated.

Where is Tucson Located on a Map?

Tucson is located in the southern part of Arizona. It is around 115 miles from Phoenix and it takes just under two hours to drive from one city to the other. It is the largest city in Pima County and is home to the country courthouse and government. Approximately 540,000 people live in Tucson, around half of the county residents.

Tucson is under an hour from the present-day Mexican border. The city has heavy influences from Mexican culture and you can enjoy plenty of festivals, food, and history when you visit. At one point, Tucson was even part of Mexico.

Wildlife You’ll Find in Tucson

Coyotes are common in Tucson and play a prominent role in both history and culture. Birds are also common, especially cactus wren, greater roadrunner, and Gila woodpecker. Giant sandhill cranes also spend time in Tucson during the winter as part of their migration.

There are a few dangerous animals in and around Tucson that you should know. Like with most wild animals, incidents are rare and almost always the result of the animal feeling threatened. It’s best to give all wildlife their space especially if you see a mountain lion, rattlesnake, scorpion, tarantula, or Gila monster.

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a great place to visit to learn more and be able to see many of these animals and plants in their native habitat. You can also get tips for identifying common desert flora and fauna. The Sonoran Desert is a fascinating place. If you have not spent time in the desert before, you will be amazed by the volume and diversity of life that it supports.

Things to Do in Tucson

Tucson is hot, especially in the summer. Prepare with plenty of water and shade. There are breathtaking natural wonders to see if you do spend time outdoors. There are five mountain ranges around Tucson, including the Rincon Mountains, Tucson Mountains, Santa Catalina Mountains, Santa Rita Mountains, and Tortolita Mountains. In fact, there are so many mountain ranges around Tucson that many people associate the city skyline with the sun setting or rising over mountains in the background. Hiking is a popular pastime in Tucson. It is also one of the best ways to explore the amazing landscape and plants.

If you want to experience some of the history and culture that makes Tucson unique, consider visiting one of the many museums, checking out the Folklore Preserve, or spending time at a festival. Self-guided walking tours as well as some given by experts in Tucson history allow visitors to explore at their own place while seeing the city.

Many visitors and locals like to dive into the amazing food in Tucson. Mexican ingredients, flavors, and traditions influence local dishes. Tucson boasts that the city has 23 Miles of Mexican Food for people to try. Tucson is also known for Sonoran-style Mexican food, especially Sonoran dogs which are specialty hot dogs.