Tubac -- now an internationally know artist's colony -- is an old crossroads rich in history featuring four historical governing bodies: Spain, Mexico, the US Confederacy, and America. Oh yeah, and the Indians who were here first.
The Santa Cruz River area has been home to the Apache, the Tohono O'odham, the Pima Indians, and others from as early as 200 AD. Father Eusebio Francisco Kino, a Jesuit missionary, arrived in 1691 -- and western influenced change became more pronounced.
Indian groups came & left; revolts were staged; families and soldiers arrived; and a small Presidio (fort) established. This was the first Presidio in Arizona. Through the years the ownership of the land was swapped a couple of times. Eventually the Gadsden Purchase settled the US - Mexico border in 1853.
Tubac also served as the staging area for exploring the northern parts of Arizona and California. Juan Bautista de Anza II, captain of the Tubac presidio, led several successful expedition to colonize what is now San Francisco! Love that local touch.
We wandered around the small state park. Not much remains but there is a fine museum. Then we walked a stretch of the Anza National Historical Trail. Too far to make it to San Francisco!
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| Think we'll take a stroll to San Francisco! |
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A real change from the desert landscape.
Anza trail follows the Santa Cruz River and is a critical bird habitat! |
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| Lovely hummingbird sat still long enough for a picture! |
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| State Seal of the Territory of Arizona. |
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| Old Photo of the Tubac Presidio. Really lovely area? |
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| Rock outline of the Presidio; old school house to right. |
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