Welcome to Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, located in the picturesque Santa Cruz Valley of Arizona. This site holds the ruins of the oldest Spanish Presidio in Arizona, originally known as San Ignacio de Tubac, established in 1752. The presidio was founded as a strategic military outpost by the Spanish to protect settlers from Apache and Seri raids and to exert control over the local O’odham people as part of Spain’s colonial ambitions in the Southwest.
One of the most notable figures associated with Tubac is Juan Bautista de Anza, who served as the second commander of the presidio. Anza is celebrated for leading an ambitious expedition from Tubac to California in 1775, paving the way for the establishment of San Francisco in 1776. This journey, which included 240 settlers and a large number of livestock, underscored Tubac’s role as a launch point for exploration and expansion in the region.
During its early years, the presidio was a bustling hub with a garrison of soldiers and a growing settlement of families. However, in 1775, a reorganization of the Spanish frontier defenses led to the transfer of the garrison to what is now Tucson, leaving Tubac temporarily abandoned. Revival came in the mid-19th century when Charles DeBrille Poston established the Sonora Mining & Exploring Company at the site, marking a new era of economic activity.
Tubac Presidio’s historical significance is multifaceted. It not only represents the era of Spanish colonialism but also the transitions through Mexican governance, and eventually, American settlement following the Gadsden Purchase in 1854. The site features remnants of its storied past, including one of the oldest territorial schoolhouses in Arizona and the hand press that printed Arizona’s first newspaper, the ‘Weekly Arizonan,’ in 1859.
Today, Tubac Presidio State Historic Park stands as a testament to the cultural and historical layers of the region. Visitors can explore the museum, walk the scenic trails, and learn about the diverse peoples who have called this area home. The park also serves as a cultural hub, offering events and programs that connect modern audiences with the rich history of the Santa Cruz Valley.
