History of Tucson, Arizona, USA

In 1775, Hugo O'Conor establishes the Tucson Presido. This year marks the official birthdate of the City of Tucson.

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1776 - Fort Built at Tucson
A Spanish presidio (fort) is built at Tucson.

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1821 - Tucson becomes part of Mexico when it fights for independence in 1821.

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After the Gadsden Purchase in 1854, Tucson falls under the jurisdiction of the United States.

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1862 - Confederate troops occupied Tucson; Cochise and Apaches attacked soldiers at Apache Pass

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1867 - State Capital Moves
State capital moved from Prescott to Tucson

Between 1867 and 1877, Tucson holds the title of territorial capitol.

cms3.tucsonaz.gov/ history/ tucson_history

1869 - Late Arizona advices say sickness of a malignant type prevailed at Tuscon [sic]. Almost every person in the place had been attacked, and many died.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
January 30, 1869

1887 - TERRIFIC UPHEAVAL. REMARKABLE EFFECT OF AN EARTHQUAKE IN ARIZONA. SEVERAL MOUNTAIN PEAKS CRUMBLE NEATH THE SHOCK - OTHERS SUDDENLY DEVELOP INTO BLAZING VOLCANOES - MUCH DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.
Swallowed Up.
Tucson, A.T., May 6. - This place was shaken by an earthquake at 2:12 p.m. Tuesday. No one was injured, but considerable damage was done to buildings. Goods were thrown from the shelves in stores and many houses here were cracked. The shock was accompanied by a rumbling sound. Many clocks were stopped and the entire population fled to the streets terrorstricken. The court house cupola swayed like the mast of a ship in a turbulent sea and the building seemed as though it were toppling over. When the shock struck Santa Catalina mountain great slices of the mountain were torn from its side and thrown to its base. Vast clouds of dust rose above its crest 7,000 feet above the sea level at three to four miles apart. It was believed for some time that a volcano had burst out of the crest of the mountain. One towering peak known as Old Castle, a prominent landmark from Tucson, has entirely disappeared. The extent of the damage can not be told for several days.

This was the... Read MORE...

1888 - July 25 - Severe earthquake shock at Tucson, A. T.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
January 5, 1889

1906
Tucson, a city, capital of Pima co., Ariz., on the Santa Cruz River and on the Southern Pacific R., 130 miles SE. of Phoenix. It is the largest city of the territory and is the seat of the University of Arizona, founded in 1891, and of St. Joseph's Academy. The Desert Observatory is located here. The chief industries are associated with mining. Tucson was the capital of Arizona from 1867 to 1877. Pop. in 1880, 7007; in 1890, 5150; in 1900, 7531.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

1919 - November 20 - 1st municipally owned airport in US opens (Tucson Az)

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1958 - November 16 - More than six inches of snow fell at Tucson, AZ

The Weather Channel

1964 - ARIZONA TORNADO KILLS MOTHER, SON.
Tucson, Ariz., (AP) - A mother and her infant son were killed Thursday when a tornado hit the San Xavier mission area southwest of Tucson.
Killed were MRS. LUCY NORRIS, 31, and her 10-month-old son, MARCIAN.
At least eight others were injured as the small but powerful twister demolished one home and damaged at least two more. Two of the injured were in critical condition.

Several nuns from the mission saw the funnel cloud approaching and ran to the basement of their building. The tornado tore off part of the roof but no nuns were injured. The mission itself escaped serious damage.
A meteorologist at Tucson International Airport said the tornado formed a funnel cloud that lasted four or five minutes, then disappeared into a rain storm.

The dead and injured were buried in debris of buildings in the Indian village which stands near San Xavier, a 287-year-old mission about a mile from Tucson city limits.
Albuquerque Journal
Albuquerque, New Mexico
August 28, 1964

1970 - Police Charge Hotel Fire Deaths to 16-Year-Old Boy - AT LEAST 28 DIED.
By BILL ROBERTS
Associated Press Writer
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - Juvenile Court petitions alleging felony homicide and arson were filed today against a 16-year-old youth in a $2.5 million fire which killed 28 persons and injured 27 in a downtown hotel Sunday.

The youth was taken into custody near the scene of the early morning blaze, and questioned by police.

The petition identified him as Louis C. Taylor, four-time parolee from the State Industrial School for Boys.

Patrolman Claus Burgman said he arrested Taylor because he "was acting suspiciously and couldn't explain his presence in the building." Later, Burgman said Taylor “told us a number of different stories about the fire. He said he was at the scene and saw the fire start, but claims he saw another boy do it."

Several survivors of the flames which raced through the upper half of the 12-story Pioneer International Hotel said they had smelled a volatile substance in the corridors.

The fire in the 41-year-old... Read MORE...

1975 - July 16 - An early afternoon thunderstorm raked the east side of Tucson, AZ, with gale force winds, heavy rain, and numerous lightning strikes.
A thirteen year old boy was swept through a forty foot long culvert by raging waters before being rescued.
The Weather Channel
July 16, 1975

Tucson, Arizona is a fantastic destination with a rich blend of culture, nature, and history. Here's a list of some of the best places to go and things to do in Tucson:
Saguaro National Park:

A must-visit for nature lovers. The park is divided into two sections, each on opposite sides of the city, and it's home to the iconic Saguaro cactus. Hiking trails offer stunning views of the desert landscape.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum:

Combining a zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum, this is a unique attraction that showcases the diverse flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert.

Mount Lemmon:

Drive up Mount Lemmon for a change of scenery. The elevation change means you'll experience different ecosystems as you ascend. In the winter, you can even go skiing!

Mission San Xavier del Bac:

A historic Spanish Catholic mission, often referred to as the "White Dove of the Desert." The architecture and history make it a captivating cultural visit.

Pima Air & Space Museum:

For aviation enthusiasts, this museum is a treasure trove of aircraft, from historical warplanes to modern jets.

Biosphere 2:

Located just north of... Read MORE...