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Tucson is located about 100 miles south of Phoenix

The area around Tucson has been dated back to 800 to 900 A.D., from pottery shards found in the ruins of a pit house. The first European influence came in 1694 with the arrival of Eusebiio Francisco Kino. He established a mission called San Augustin de Oiaur and a village named San Cosme de Tucson. However, Kino spent most of efforts at the San Xavier del Bac mission. The name Tucson originated from the Pima Indians. It comes from the word schookson meaning "spring at the foot of a black mountain". This saying refers to the dark base of the Sentinel Mountains where the Santa Cruz River flows near Tucson. 

In 1775, Tucson gained more power when the presidio in Tubac was moved to Tucson and was renamed San Agustin del Tucson. Hugh O'Connor, an Irishman founded the 12 feet high walled presidio of San Agustin del Tucson.

 The presidio was completed in 1803. This move was made so Mexican could gain control over the Apache Indians. However not much changed, even when Mexican took over Spanish ruled Tucson. Then in 1853, Tucson became the possession of the United States through the Gadsen Purchase. However, it wasn't until 1856 when the Mexican soldiers finally left the Tucson presidio. In 1857, a Butterfield Stage stop was established in Tucson. By 1860, Tucson had 650 citizens.  At the same time Peoria Arizona had 50.

At this time, Tucson was known for its ruffians and a whipping post that was set up in the plaza. Tucson looked like a small Mexican town with pueblos and narrow dirt streets. The capital of the state was given to Tucson in 1867. There were enough votes at the time to bring the capital down from Prescott. The population had grown to 3,200 by the year 1869. Gambling and casinos were the highlight of the town. Playhouses were also a popular gathering spot. Yet, in 1877 the capital was returned to Prescott and in that same year Tucson was incorporated.  PhoenixPhoenix would not get the capital for some time. Other cities like Goodyear and Surprise did not exist.

The Southern Pacific Railroad came into Tucson in 1880 and the town began to grow even more. Soon afterward, the Territorial Legislature gave Tucson money to build a university. Arizona 's first university opened in 1891 with 36 students and 6 faculty members. The nation's first municipally-owned airport opened in 1919 and the first airmail was delivered to Tucson in 1915. Modern living was beginning to inch toward Tucson.

Tucson is in Southern Arizona Arizona . It is in Pima County. The county seat is in Tucson. It is located in a desert valley surrounded by mountain ranges. Tucson sits between the Santa Catalina Mountains rising 9,000 feet to the north, the Rincon Mountains in the east, the Tucson Mountains in the west, the Tortolita Mountains in the northwest and the Santa Rita and Sierrita Mountains in the south. The town is located on Interstate 10, just 115 miles south of Glendale/" title="GlendaleGlendale and 63 miles north of the Mexican border.

The metropolitan area of Tucson spread over 495 square miles. Tucson is a modern city, yet is still holds on to its Southwestern charm. It is Arizona 's oldest city, thus its nickname "Old Pueblo". Tucson is the second largest city in the state. The town began a Spanish presidio or military garrison. Today Tucson's population is 458,675.

The town sits at an elevation of 2,389 feet. Tucson is known for its mild winters. The winter low Temperature is 40 degrees and the summer high Temperature is 99 degrees. The town has a 12-inch annual rainfall. The University of Arizona and Davis-Monthan Air Force Bases are the two main employers in the city. Tucson has great things to offer – climate, scenery, recreation, culture, educational opportunity, fine health faculties and much more. Tucson is a hub for many great day trips in southern Arizona . There are many attractions that you won't want to miss during your visit. The Arizona Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum is one of the most interesting and well-maintained environments that you will ever see.

Visitors will see creatures in their natural habitats. The Biosphere is another great attraction. This structure was built to help scientists discover what is needed to create a mini-eco system. Visitors will learn and see what has been discovered about our earth. Kitt Peak Observatory houses one of the largest telescopes. You can choose from and day or night visit to the observatory. It is a real treat to look into the sky and beyond. Old Tucson Studios is a popular western movie set. Since the studio never shuts down, visitors can have the opportunity of seeing how a movie is made be hide the scenes. San Xavier del Bac is an old Spanish mission built in 1700. It is the first Spanish mission established in Arizona . The mission is very impressive and full of history. Tucson has a multitude of outdoor activities for everyone's interests. Sabino Canyon is a gorgeous place to enjoy nature.

The canyon offers a tram tour along Sabino Creek. This is an experience you must have when making your visit. Catalina State Park is a great spot for hikers, campers, bird watchers and horseback riders. This state park has it all. Colossal Cave has many legends that surround it. Visitors will have the opportunity to see a dry cave in its' grandeur. Saguaro National Park is divided into two separate areas. One is on the west side of Tucson and the other is on the east side. Both of them have spectacular views of these mammoth saguaro cacti.

There are driving tours through the park that give visitors a glimpse into the beautiful Sonoran Desert. The park has preserved these decades old cacti for everyone to marvel at their stamina in the harsh desert. The Tucson metropolitan area is presently new home to over 750,000, and is continuing to grow by nearly 2,000 new residents each month. People visit Tucson for its rich history, recreational and cultural pursuits, gorgeous desert scenery, world-class hotels, and year-round sunshine.

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