Tucson - The Beginning of a Rich Western Culture
Tucson was
originally founded in 1775 by Spain to serve as a military garrison (presidio)
to protect settlers from Apache Indian raids. Tucson's rich Native American
traditions began with prehistoric Indian cultures that settled in the region,
and continued to grow richer through the centuries with the influx of Spanish,
Mexican, Anglo, and Asian immigrants.
Judging from agricultural
settlements found along the Santa Cruz River, archeologists believe that
life in the Tucson Valley began as early as 10,000 B.C. with the arrival
of the Paleo-Indian culture, (the earliest recorded inhabitants of the
Americas who originated from Asia), and other Archaic civilizations who
migrated to the area. Tucson's earliest inhabitants roamed the area hunting
mammoth and bison between 10,000 and 6,000 B.C. They were followed by the
Cochise culture, who built pit houses and used stone tools, and the Hohokam| Hohokam | (HO-ho-ko'm) |
The prehistoric Hohokam people lived in central and southern Arizona from about AD 1 to 1450. Drought, floods and perhaps internal strife, forced the Hohokam to abandon the Salt River Valley in the fifteenth century. When Spanish explorers arrived in the sixteenth century, they found the Hohokam villages in ruins. However, they also found thriving villages of Akimel O'odham (Pima) natives, who claim to be descendents of the Hohokam. |
tribe,
who began farming the valley floor in 300 A.D.
And They
Vanished Into the Thin Air...
The Tucson valley is rich in archeological
remains that include pit houses, adobe huts, and stone tools that were
once occupied by the Hohokam| Hohokam | (HO-ho-ko'm) |
The prehistoric Hohokam people lived in central and southern Arizona from about AD 1 to 1450. Drought, floods and perhaps internal strife, forced the Hohokam to abandon the Salt River Valley in the fifteenth century. When Spanish explorers arrived in the sixteenth century, they found the Hohokam villages in ruins. However, they also found thriving villages of Akimel O'odham (Pima) natives, who claim to be descendents of the Hohokam. |
Indian tribe approximately 1,000 to 1,500 years ago.
According to historical finds, the Hohokam| Hohokam | (HO-ho-ko'm) |
The prehistoric Hohokam people lived in central and southern Arizona from about AD 1 to 1450. Drought, floods and perhaps internal strife, forced the Hohokam to abandon the Salt River Valley in the fifteenth century. When Spanish explorers arrived in the sixteenth century, they found the Hohokam villages in ruins. However, they also found thriving villages of Akimel O'odham (Pima) natives, who claim to be descendents of the Hohokam. |
tribe was a vigorous and thriving culture
up until 1450. Then, they mysteriously vanished. To this day, why and how
the Hohokam| Hohokam | (HO-ho-ko'm) |
The prehistoric Hohokam people lived in central and southern Arizona from about AD 1 to 1450. Drought, floods and perhaps internal strife, forced the Hohokam to abandon the Salt River Valley in the fifteenth century. When Spanish explorers arrived in the sixteenth century, they found the Hohokam villages in ruins. However, they also found thriving villages of Akimel O'odham (Pima) natives, who claim to be descendents of the Hohokam. |
culture disappeared from the Tucson area, remains a mystery.
Since
the disappearance of the Hohokam| Hohokam | (HO-ho-ko'm) |
The prehistoric Hohokam people lived in central and southern Arizona from about AD 1 to 1450. Drought, floods and perhaps internal strife, forced the Hohokam to abandon the Salt River Valley in the fifteenth century. When Spanish explorers arrived in the sixteenth century, they found the Hohokam villages in ruins. However, they also found thriving villages of Akimel O'odham (Pima) natives, who claim to be descendents of the Hohokam. |
, the Pima and Tohono O'odham Indian tribes, both
descendents of the advanced Hohokam| Hohokam | (HO-ho-ko'm) |
The prehistoric Hohokam people lived in central and southern Arizona from about AD 1 to 1450. Drought, floods and perhaps internal strife, forced the Hohokam to abandon the Salt River Valley in the fifteenth century. When Spanish explorers arrived in the sixteenth century, they found the Hohokam villages in ruins. However, they also found thriving villages of Akimel O'odham (Pima) natives, who claim to be descendents of the Hohokam. |
civilization, inhabited the region. The Pima
and Tohono O'odham were fierce enemies of the Apache, but tolerant towards
the arriving Anglos.
In the mid-1500's, the Coronado Expedition
crossed Arizona| Arizona | (air-i'-ZON-u') |
The State of Arizona comprises the extreme south-western portion of the United States. It is bounded on the north by Utah, on the east by New Mexico, on the south by Mexico, and on the west by California and Nevada. |
searching for the "Seven Cities of Gold."
Father
Eusebio Francisco Kino Builds the "White Dover of the Desert"
In
1692, Catholic Spanish missionaries, searching for religious and political
converts for Spain, arrived in the desert valley and found the Indian village
of Stjukshon at the foot of the Santa Cruz River.
In late 1699,
Father Eusebio Francisco Kino, an Italian Jesuit monk who served as a missionary
for the Spanish church, visited the Tucson area. In 1700, Father Kino began
the construction of the Mission San Xavier del Bac in the village of Bac,
10 miles west of Tucson. Mission San Xavier del Bac was the region's first
Spanish mission. Some reports state that the Mission was completed in 1783;
others say the date was as late as 1797. The truth is, the Mission was
never fully completed. The reason for this was that local tax laws required
all Missions that were not under construction to pay taxes. To avoid taxation,
the last dome of the Mission was never completed.
Note: The
historic Spanish Mission San Xavier del Bac (Papago Wahk), dubbed the "White
Dove of the Desert," is still used as a church today and can be found approximately
10 to 15 miles south of Tucson off Interstate 19. The Mission hosts the
Annual San Xavier Fiesta, held on the first Friday evening following the
Easter holiday. The festivities include a torch-lighting parade presented
by Tohono O'odham and Yaqui tribal members. The Mission's interior is a
rich ornamental mixture of New Spain and Native American artistic themes.
Tucson's
Rich Native American Roots Survive
When Father Kino first arrived
in Tucson, he found the Pima and Tohono O'odham Indians tribes living in
and farming the regions near Tucson. The Pima Indians are a group of Native
Americans who presently live primarily in central and south Arizona| Arizona | (air-i'-ZON-u') |
The State of Arizona comprises the extreme south-western portion of the United States. It is bounded on the north by Utah, on the east by New Mexico, on the south by Mexico, and on the west by California and Nevada. |
and the present
country of Mexico. Descendants of the Uto-Aztecan culture, the Pima were
frequently visited by early Spanish missionaries. The Pima tribe used advanced
agricultural techniques that included irrigation, and were known for their
beautiful basket weavings.
Tohono O'odham is a Native American
tribe formerly known as the Papago. Today, the vast Tohono O'odham tribe
primarily inhabits four reservations located a few miles west of Tucson
in southern Arizona| Arizona | (air-i'-ZON-u') |
The State of Arizona comprises the extreme south-western portion of the United States. It is bounded on the north by Utah, on the east by New Mexico, on the south by Mexico, and on the west by California and Nevada. |
.
Note: The City of Tucson got its name from the
Papago word "Chuk Shon" (Stjukshon and/or S-tukson), meaning "Village of
the spring at the foot of the black mountain." There are disagreements
as to the exact spelling and translation. Papago is the language of the
Tohono O'odham Native American tribe and is closely related to the Pima
language through their common Uto-Aztecan heritage. The term "black mountain"
refers to the "Sentinel Peak" summit or "A Mountain," which is located
just west of Tucson's present downtown area.
The Uto-Aztecan
languages are part of a Native American language family. Uto-Aztecan languages
are found in regions stretching from the Great Basin of the western United
States (Oregon, Idaho, Utah, California, Nevada, Arizona| Arizona | (air-i'-ZON-u') |
The State of Arizona comprises the extreme south-western portion of the United States. It is bounded on the north by Utah, on the east by New Mexico, on the south by Mexico, and on the west by California and Nevada. |
), through Mexico south to
El Salvador. Utah is named after the indigenous Uto-Aztecan Ute people.
A
Dusty Adobe Village Called "Old Pueblo"
On August 20, 1775, a
few months after Paul Revere's famed ride, the Spanish Crown sent Hugo
O'Connor, and Irishman who came to be fondly referred to by the locals
as Don Hugo O'Connor, to Tucson to survey the region, locate sites to be
used as military posts (presidios), and establish trade routes. In 1776,
Don Hugo established the first site: Presidio San Agustin, a site near
the center of what is now downtown Tucson. The walled Presidio San Agustin
became the northernmost outpost of Spain in the New World, providing refuge
for residents and travelers, and soon was nicknamed the "Old Pueblo," an
endearment still used today. In Spanish "Pueblo" means Town or Village.
Note:
"Old Pueblo" was, and still is, located in the high desert valley of
south-central Arizona| Arizona | (air-i'-ZON-u') |
The State of Arizona comprises the extreme south-western portion of the United States. It is bounded on the north by Utah, on the east by New Mexico, on the south by Mexico, and on the west by California and Nevada. |
along the banks of the Santa Cruz River where Interstate
10 and 19 intersect. The city is the gateway to Saguaro| Saguaro | (suh-WA'R-o) |
An arborescent cactus (Carnegiea gigantea) of desert regions of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico that has a tall columnar simple or sparsely branched trunk of up to 60 feet (18 meters) and bears white flowers and edible fruit. |
National Park, which is
located on both sides of downtown Tucson. The valley is bordered by four
mountain ranges: the Santa Catalina's (north), the Santa Rita's (south),
the Rincon's (east), and Tucson's (west).
By 1804, approximately
1,000 people lived in the dusty adobe town known as Tucson. Residents were
primarily Spanish, Mexicans, and Native Americans who raised agricultural
crops and livestock. At this point in history, the residents of Tucson
still had little contact with the outside world.
Mexico Stakes
Its Claim to Tucson
The capital of New Spain became Mexico City.
Ruled by a Viceroy appointed by the Spanish Crown, New Spain's territory
included all of present-day Mexico, Central America down to the southern
border of Costa Rica, and portions of the United States, including the
present states of California, Arizona| Arizona | (air-i'-ZON-u') |
The State of Arizona comprises the extreme south-western portion of the United States. It is bounded on the north by Utah, on the east by New Mexico, on the south by Mexico, and on the west by California and Nevada. |
, New Mexico, and Texas. The northern boundary
of New Spain was not clearly defined until the Adams-Onis Treaty in 1819.
Note:
New Spain included Nueva Extremadura, Nueva Galicia, and Nueva Vizcaya.
The Philippines were also administered as a colony of New Spain. "New Spain"
(Nueva España) was the name given to the Spanish colonial territory in
North America from 1525 to 1821.
When the Mexican Revolution
of 1821 ended and Mexico gained its independence, Spain lost its claim
to Tucson and the region became part of Mexico.
Trade Increases
When the Stagecoach Comes to Town
With the influx of Anglo-Americans
streaming into the Tucson area, there came the Butterfield Overland Stagecoach
line, which opened services to the Tucson region. As trade opened up between
East Coast and California settlements, Anglo and European trappers and
traders began traveling through Arizona.
Where the West was
Wild and the Folks were Rowdy
The lively town of Tucson soon developed
a reputation as a "rowdy" frontier town, which was tempered by social refinements
brought by incoming city settlers. Shootouts took place frequently and
men rarely ventured unarmed onto the streets. Still, the town prospered,
and by the early 1800's, Tucson's population was over 7,000.
The
discovery of gold in California in 1848 brought even more outsiders to
the region - an influx of Easterners seeking their future in the mines.
Some saw opportunity in the rough frontier town of Tucson and stayed to
begin families.
Looking for a southern rail route, the U.S.
negotiated the Gadsden Purchase Treaty with Mexico in 1854 and Arizona| Arizona | (air-i'-ZON-u') |
The State of Arizona comprises the extreme south-western portion of the United States. It is bounded on the north by Utah, on the east by New Mexico, on the south by Mexico, and on the west by California and Nevada. |
became a
U.S. territory. As greater numbers of newcomers came into the Tucson region,
the area's native inhabitants defended their territory. Battles between
the settlers and the Apaches paralyzed Tucson for several decades, distracting
it from the Civil War activities taking place between the states.
The
Wild West Town Grows Even Wilder
Throughout the 1860s, Tucson
lived up to its reputation as a rough, rowdy, Wild West town, with frequent
arguments continuing to take place in the downtown streets and yep, more
gunfire.
In 1867, Tucson became the territorial capital for
the newly formed Arizona| Arizona | (air-i'-ZON-u') |
The State of Arizona comprises the extreme south-western portion of the United States. It is bounded on the north by Utah, on the east by New Mexico, on the south by Mexico, and on the west by California and Nevada. |
Territory and remained the capital for 10 years, from
1867 until 1877, which accelerated the city's grow and progress. The city
grew rapidly, and the population rose to 7,000. Near the turn of the century,
Tucson started marketing its solar resources and soon became known as a
"sunshine state." This attracted thousands of tuberculosis victims seeking
a cure to the warm, arid climate. Unfamiliar with the desert climate, many
newcomers embraced the architectural designs, foods, and traditions developed
by the Mexican culture to adapt to the arid climate. Today, Tucson is a
rich, cultural melting pot that offers the best of Angelo, Hispanic, and
Native American architectures, foods, and traditions.
The
Southern Pacific Railroad Arrives
In 1880, the Southern Pacific
Railroad arrived in Tucson and was greeted with great excitement by the
townspeople. Tucson was now connected to the rest of the world. Tucson's
growth was further stimulated by the discovery of silver in the nearby
City of Tombstone, the discovery of copper in Bisbee, and the development
of irrigation. Tucson was incorporated in 1877, and today remains the Pima
county seat.
In 1891, Arizona| Arizona | (air-i'-ZON-u') |
The State of Arizona comprises the extreme south-western portion of the United States. It is bounded on the north by Utah, on the east by New Mexico, on the south by Mexico, and on the west by California and Nevada. |
Territorial University was opened on land
that was donated by a local saloon owner and two gamblers. The city entered
the "air age" with the arrival of World War II and the establishment of
Davis Monthan Air Field. The Davis Monthan Air Field became an important
training base for the US air force during WW II.
Note: Since
World War II, Tucson had experienced remarkable growth, which was due in
part, to the developing suburbs. Tucson's dry, sunny climate and unique
desert locale have made it a popular tourist and health resort and retirement
community. The city's postwar industries have centered on aircraft and
missile manufacturing, dude ranching, and electronics research and manufacture.
Arizona
Joins the Union
The capital was moved north before Arizona| Arizona | (air-i'-ZON-u') |
The State of Arizona comprises the extreme south-western portion of the United States. It is bounded on the north by Utah, on the east by New Mexico, on the south by Mexico, and on the west by California and Nevada. |
became the
48th state to enter the union in 1912. Tucson eventually established another
prestigious state institution, the University of Arizona| Arizona | (air-i'-ZON-u') |
The State of Arizona comprises the extreme south-western portion of the United States. It is bounded on the north by Utah, on the east by New Mexico, on the south by Mexico, and on the west by California and Nevada. |
, which remains one of the
area's major employers and an institute of educational excellence.
To
date, "Old Pueblo" has lived under four flags: Spanish, Mexican, Confederate,
and the United States of America.
And the Beat Goes On...
True
to its Wild West beginnings, modern day Tucson is peopled with artists,
adventurers, and visionaries. After WWII, many airmen returned to desert
valley to settle or retire. Fueled by post-war industries and tourism,
the city's population grew rapidly, and at one point was welcoming 1,000
newcomers each month. By 2000, Tucson's population had ballooned to 800,000.
Note: With its mixed cultural heritage and international
population, Tucson provides a fitting backdrop for the University of Arizona| Arizona | (air-i'-ZON-u') |
The State of Arizona comprises the extreme south-western portion of the United States. It is bounded on the north by Utah, on the east by New Mexico, on the south by Mexico, and on the west by California and Nevada. |
. Spanish,
Mexican, and Native American influences are resplendent throughout the
City of Tucson, which celebrates its differences and preserves its traditions.
Today, Tucson is known for its colorful and creative culture, its lively
resort areas, it's educational excellence, and for its rich copper and
mineral resources. A true cattle town, Tucson's major markets are cotton
and cattle. Tucson also serves as the headquarters for the Coronado National
Forest.
