By April Bourie
Did you know that before there was a downtown Tucson the area was home to a Spanish Presidio (or fort) called the Presidio San Agustín del Tucson? The fort was built in 1775 by the Spanish who were staking their claims on “New Spain.” It was part of a line of defenses that went all the way to California.
The inhabitants of the Presidio traded, interacted and farmed with the local Tohono O’odham people in the area (then referred to by settlers as the Papago) who were largely peaceful. The Spanish also had regular skirmishes with local Apache who valiantly fought to protect their homelands during this period.
When Mexico gained its independence from Spain in 1810, present day Southern Arizona became part of Mexico and the Spanish soldiers of the Presidio were replaced by the Mexican Army. In 1854, the United States purchased this area through the Gadsden Purchase and the fort then became part of American territory. By then, the walls were crumbling and the need for its defenses had waned. U.S. soldiers garrisoned at what is now present day Armory Park, before moving to Fort Lowell at the “outskirts” of East Tucson.
As settlers began to build adobe row homes in the area, many of the bricks from the Presidio’s walls were re-purposed. Today’s historic buildings in the Presidio Historic District likely have original bricks from the Spanish Presidio walls.
Soon a Chinese community had also formed in Tucson and there were many Chinese-owned groceries in the area.
All of these cultures have influenced what Tucson has become today. It is interesting to read about our area’s history, but it is more fun to actually experience it firsthand.
The Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum is built on the northwest corner of the original presidio and offers a variety of experiences for families to learn about local history including Family Adventure Fourth Saturdays. This program is held outdoors (with Covid safety protocols) each fourth Saturday of the month from 10 am to 1 pm.
February’s program will be expanded and offered on BOTH FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, February 26 and 27 to celebrate Rodeo Weekend. Although there will be no Fiesta de Vaqueros Rodeo this year, families can still enjoy Western activities at the Presidio Museum during these Family Adventure programs, including roping our docile “cows,” tinsmithing Western ornaments, and other rodeo-themed crafts.
March’s Family Adventure Fourth Saturday will focus on Archaeology Month. Held on Saturday, March 27, events will include exploring various artifacts of pottery, tools, bottles, and more, plus practicing throwing an atlatl (an ancient spear) and making soapstone pendants similar to ones made by ancient people such as the Hohokam.
Family Adventure Fourth Saturdays are included in Presidio Museum admission, which is $5 for adults and $4 for youth ages 6-14. It is free for those 5 and under as well as for Presidio Museum members. All activities occur from 10 am to 1 pm, and no pre-registration is necessary.
All Presidio Museum visitors are required to wear a mask and social distance. In addition, hand sanitizing is required upon entry.
Several other activities are planned at the Presidio Museum this spring. From walking tours to living history activities to educational classes and lectures, visitors can explore a variety of topics focused on our exciting history. To learn more about upcoming activities visit our online calendar at www.TucsonPresidio.com.
April Bourie has been in marketing and writing for over 20 years. Her background is in tourism marketing, and she is the owner of Montage Marketing, through which she promotes the Presidio Museum, locations and activities in Tubac, Arizona, and writes for several magazines and tourism educational programs.
