Tucson History

Tucson, Arizona is the destination oasis in the enchanting southwestern deserts of the United States. It has been continuously inhabited for more than 12,000 years, clearly demonstrating that its popularity is not a recent development. This fact also makes it one of the oldest inhabited places on the planet. From the original mammoth-hunting area occupants, to today's modern, information and industry-based residents, Tucsonans have always been deeply rooted in the area, and the land. The name Tucson originated from the Pima Indians. It finds its roots in the word "schookson" which translates to "spring at the foot of a black mountain". The city's name is pronounced either of two different ways: TOO-sohn or too-SOHN.

August 20, 1775 is Tucson's birthday. In that year, Hugo O'Connor established the Tucson Presidio. It would be another eleven months until The Declaration of Independence of the Thirteen Colonies was signed in the new Congress of the United States. Spanish settlers migrated to the Tucson area in 1776, and with the Gadsden Purchase of 1854, Tucson became part of the US. Tucson served as capital of the Arizona Territory from 1867 to 1877. In 1912, Arizona became the 48th state in the union. An interesting note: When the US purchased Arizona from Mexico, it was to accommodate the burgeoning railroad industry. A number of Congressmen could not understand the value of the Arizona Territory, and pleaded to give Mexico twice what the US paid for Arizona – if they would take it back. Fortunately, this did not happen. Tucson is sometimes referred to as "The Old Pueblo" – this is in reference to the original Tucson Presidio.

Tucson has a rich, diverse cultural heritage, which is reflected in its architecture, art, celebrations, peoples, events, and customs. Still, nestled snuggly within this long, tradition-steeped legacy is a city that is on the cutting edge of technology; a city enjoying continuous growth; a city that has become home to some of the world's leading companies; a city that is a leading tourist destination; a city that is frequented by celebrities from around the world; a city with its own movie studio; and much more.

The Old Pueblo is a global center for astronomy. Flandrau Planetarium, Kitt Peak Observatory, and the University of Arizona's extensive research facilities are but a few of the earmarks of this accolade. Visitors to 'The Old Pueblo' have many opportunities to view the astronomical wonders of the clear skies, and there are numerous clubs and private enterprises that focus on astronomy and astronomical events. One quasi-astronomical event The Old Pueblo is world renowned for is its spectacular sunsets. Bright, deep, rich hues set the western skies ablaze almost every evening of the year, which causes many residents to design their homes specifically to enjoy these regular visual treats.

Visitors flock to Tucson for its year-around sunshine, very low humidity, and moderate winter temperatures. This healthful climate has spawned some of the world's finest resorts and spas offering complete ranges of services aimed at their guests' health, well being, and beauty. Dignitaries and stars of the silver screen have frequented Tucson's healthful facilities for decades, and are frequently seen about town soaking up the varied culture.

The Old Pueblo is home to almost a million residents, and more than 2,000 new residents are deciding to make The Old Pueblo their new home each month. Still, the city retains many desirable small town trappings such as safe communities, a genuine friendliness in the people, a lack of serious traffic problems, and quality municipal services. Tucson residents, old and new alike, work harmoniously to maintain the excellent quality of life that permeates the Tucson area. The Old Pueblo was voted "Friendliest City" and one of the "Top Ten U.S. Cities to Visit" by the well respected Conde Nast Traveler magazine. (Tucson is indeed a rapidly growing city. Growth of the city, however, will be constrained by National parks, the terrain, and the geology of the region. Due to these constraints, The Old Pueblo is growing most rapidly to the northwest – the Marana and Oro Valley areas.)

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