Topic Overview
The earliest known inhabitants of the Santa Cruz River Valley were
Hohokam Indians that farmed the area circa 1st century A.D. After a time
they mysteriously vanished. Later Pima and Tohono O'odham tribes settled
the area.
Coronado Expedition:
The first European expedition through the area was that of
Francisco Vasquez de Coronado. In Feb 1540, the Viceroy of Mexico sent
him north with 1500 soldiers to find the fabled seven cities of gold
of Cibola. He was the first European to reach Arizona and discover the
Grand Canyon as well as the pueblos of the Zuni indians. He continued
north then east to Kansas. He returned to Mexico in 1542 by the
same route. The Coronado Memorial
is named in his honor.
Italiam Father Eusebio Francisco Kino explored
in the area around 1694. Founded mission at Tubac.
Another mission, San Xavier del Bac was founded
further north in 1700. This mission served as primary church for the
Tohono O'odham.
In 1752 a mission and presidio (first military base in Arizona) were built
at Tubac to help subdue the Pima. In 1776 this presidio was moved to Tucson and
Tubac declined in importance and population as a result of the Mexican
War, Gold Rush to California and Apache Raids. (Later it surged in 1860's
as a mining center but went bust again.)
The city of Tucson was founded August 20, 1775, by Irishman Hugh O'Connor
on behalf of Spain. The early town was a walled presidio that provided
welcomed refuge for both travelers and residents located near the flowing
Santa Cruz River. Today that area is known as Old Pueblo.
Other timeline events:
1821- Mexican Independence from Spain
1853- Gadsden Purchase transfers Tucson to the U.S.
1860's -Confederate troops briefly sieze control of the city during
U.S. Civil War.
1867- Tucson is designated capital of newly formed Arizona Territory.
1912- Capital moved to Phoenix when Arizona gains statehood.
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