Travel guideHistorySightsNightlifeMap

Tucson History, Arizona

Celebrating the diversity of architecture, people and cultures, it has become a mega trend city of the present century. Sahn is the oldest town in the US and Tucson was basically believed to be an Indian village known as Stook-zone.

The Tucson’s history dates back to 10,000 BC when the migrations of Archaic and Paleoindian gatherers and hunters took place. There are no evidences of continuous habitation at that time but evidences of agricultural settlement along Santa Cruz River are present from 1000 BC.

Between 200 and 1450 AD, the culture of Hohokam is thriving. The Tohono O’odham and Pima are descendents of that civilization and they have inhabited the area since the decline of Hohokam. Around the years of 1540, the Arizona is crossed by Coronado Expedition in search for seven golden cities. Father Francisco Kino established a Mission San Xavier del Bac during 1699 and it did not get completed until 1797.

A Mission San Agustin was established on western bank of Santa Cruz River during 1757 and the mission’s and convento’s construction got completed in the 1790’s only. During 1775, Hugo O’Conor established Tucson Presido and this year also marks the formal birth date of City of Tucson. Spanish settlers reached this area during 1776 and it became a part of the Mexico when it fought for its independence during 1821. After 1854 Gadsden Purchase, the Tucson fell under the US jurisdiction. Arizona became the official territory during 1863 and from 1867 to 1877, Tucson held the title of the territorial capitol.

During 1880, Southern Pacific Railroad reached Tucson and the population of the city reached 8000. In 1912, Arizona became the forty-eighth state of the Union and by 1950, the population of Tucson reached 120,000. The Pima and City county officially recognized the history of the city by adopting the historic district ordinance of 1972. in 1990, the city of Tucson became the 33rd biggest city in US and its population reached 400,000.

The rich cultural heritage of Tucson centers around unique blend of Spanish, Native American, Anglo-American and Mexican influences and blessed with natural beauties like Sonora Desert, it enjoys an unsurpassed weather of 360 days of sun every year. The industries of the city include missile production and electronics and it is the seat of the Pima County.

The Tucson city is dedicated to provide quality municipal services for promoting healthy community and offer opportunities for leisure and participation to enable the citizens to make progress at home and at work.

email to a friendAsk our travel experts a question about Tucson

Things about Tucson you may be interested in

Tucson Travel tips

+ list your site

ReviewsTravel TipsWrite a review Write a travel tip

Read our members' reviews about Tucson

No reviews have been added yet for this category. Be the first to add a new one.

Read our members' travel tips about Tucson

Pima Air and Space Museum
travel tip by tomtum posted more then 30 days ago
If you are into aviation or just flying, than the Prima Air and Space Museum is your heaven on earth. They have more than 300 airplanes on display, ranging from old to new, historically and technologically significant. There is also a...
Old Tucson Studios
travel tip by Belinda posted more then 30 days ago
The best place for fun and entertainment in Tucson is definitely the Old Tucson Studios, which only a few minutes drive south of the city, is the location where many famous western movies were set. Having a historical importance...
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
travel tip by travelller posted more then 30 days ago
I don't think I have ever visited a museum that has focused its exhibitions on the wildlife of the dessert and had such an amazing collection and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is the one. The open-air museum offers not only...