This summer, when it’s hot outside, follow the 30/20 rule and head to the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park and Museum. What, you ask, is the 30/20 rule? An easy 30-minute drive south knocks 20 degrees off the temperature as you enter into air-conditioned bliss while exploring centuries of southern Arizona history.
In the museum, your journey through time begins with a visit to the First Peoples, the Cochise culture, hunter-gatherers who wandered the valley 12,000 years ago. Next, you’ll visit the Hohokam culture, who, as early as 4000 years ago, were living in permanent villages along the Santa Cruz River. They were the predecessors of the Tohono O’odham, who are our friends and neighbors in the valley today.
Careful as sneaking up behind you at this point are indeed the Apache, who struck terror in the hearts of all who encountered them and dominated history in the Santa Cruz Valley for over 200 years. But turn again and you are saved. The Presidio was built and garrisoned with soldiers to protect the area from these mountain denizens. The displays of period uniforms, weaponry and day to day living really bring it all to life.
On to San Francisco! Follow along as the commandant of the Presidio, Juan Bautista de Anza, at the request of the King of Spain, gathers an intrepid group of settlers and sets off on a seemingly impossible journey across the deserts of the southwest to plant the flag of Spain on the Pacific Coast and eventually to establish the city of San Francisco, California.
Then wander into the 19th century when the Santa Cruz Valley was plunged into a period of turmoil. Revolts, abandonment, rebirths, political intrigue and colorful characters all combined to wreak havoc on the inhabitants, though ultimately the Santa Cruz Valley, and the village of Tubac, survived.
Peace comes to Tubac. Experience day to day living in the Santa Cruz Valley in the 19th century through displays which also highlight the important role women played in the settlement of Tubac and the west. A quick detour presents the World on Your Table, a history of food and food preparation viewed through the lens of the Santa Cruz Valley. Recipes are included.
Short-lived peace is shattered. Discover the Tragedy of Baca Float No 3, where local families were indiscriminately evicted from their long-time homes through the caprices of the legal system. Echoes reverberate today.
The News Comes to Tubac. Arizona’s first newspaper, the Arizonian, was printed in 1859 right here in Tubac. Discover the history and view the actual press and accompanying equipment, and marvel at the process that made it all possible.
Your walk around the Park will take you through the Rojas House, a view into 1950’s life in Tubac, and Otero Hall, resplendent with magnificent reproductions of historical paintings and a 19th-century ‘ambulance’. Imagine traveling hundreds of miles through the southwest in this conveyance, traveling day and night! And don’t forget the 1885 schoolhouse, the second-oldest schoolhouse in Arizona, and the beautiful gardens as you walk the shady paths.
This summer, the park is open from 9:00am -3:00pm, Tuesday through Sunday. For more information, visit www.TubacPresidio.org or call (520) 398-2252.
