Tucson Arizona

Tucson has been continuously settled for over 12,000 years. It celebrates a diversity of cultures, architecture, and peoples. Yet, it is one of the "Mega-Trend" cities of the 21st Century: the Optics Valley, premier health services center for the Southwest, the astronomy center of the world, home of a premier research institution - University of Arizona, and a tourism destination.

Tucson boasts the best of both worlds...the progress and innovation of a metropolitan community and the friendly, caring atmosphere of a small town. Tucson's rich cultural heritage centers around a unique blend of Native American, Spanish, Mexican and Anglo-American influences. Blessed with the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert and an unsurpassed climate of 360 sunny days a year, Tucsonans embrace a rare lifestyle and are committed to preserving that quality of life.

Tucson's climate varies from the 2400 foot desert basin to the 9100 foot forests of the Santa Catalina mountains. The City's dry desert air and winter sunshine make it a popular health and winter resort. The City is home to the University of Arizona and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. The City's industries include electronics and missile production. Tucson is the seat of Pima County and has a Council-Manager form of government.

The Tucson metropolitan area supports over 750,000 residents. As metropolitan Tucson continues to grow by nearly 2,000 new residents each month, the challenge of meeting citizen expectations also increases.

Many of our great places to stay are also great attractions themselves. Enjoy the luxury of one of the top destination spas in the world. Experience the Old West in an

authentic guest ranch. Stay at a fine resort where the golf course or tennis court is steps away from your front door.

All Accommodations - No matter what you're looking for in lodging, we have it. From comfortable and affordable hotels to luxury destinations. Book your room online now.

Resorts - Whether you love golf, tennis or just being pampered by the pool Tucson has a luxury resort just for you.

Spas - Tucson is one of America's top spa destinations with dozens of great spas including two of the most acclaimed spas in the world.

Hotels - Many of the world's best hotels are found here. Loews, Westin, Marriott, Hilton, Sheraton, and Doubletree have created properties offering the finest in Southwestern

hospitality and comfortable amenities.

Guest Ranches - The life of a cowboy has never been so fun or so comfortable. Stay in a guest ranch to discover the Old West.

Bed & Breakfasts - Relax in the comfort of one of our cozy bed and breakfasts.

Vacation Packages - Many of our great places to stay have put together money saving packages that include the fun too.

Small Groups - From family reunions to romantic getaways, we'll help you put together the perfect Tucson retreat for everyone.

Hiking - From pleasant urban walks to rugged canyon hikes we have countless spectacular trails for every level.

Biking - On the trail or on the road, Tucson is a top biking destination.

Horseback Riding - You can saddle up at a guest ranch, resort, or public stable in Tucson.

Rock Climbing - The five mountain ranges surrounding Tucson offer endless opportunities for climbers of every skill level.

Plants & Animals - Discover the incredible variety of plants and animals that have adapted to our unique ecosystem.

Outdoor Family Fun - Kid-friendly activities that are fun for grown-ups too.

Bird Watching - With over 250 species in our widely varied environments, Southern Arizona is a birder's paradise.

Astronomy - Tour some of the world's most-respected observatories and enjoy the same "good seeing" as the pros.

Caves - Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Southern Arizona's underground.

It's no coincidence that Tucson is the Spring Training home to three major league baseball teams, a premiere PGA Tour event, and countless opportunities to play outside. Our superior sports facilities and consistently warm weather are part of what make Tucson the perfect place to host any type of competition.

Allow the Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau (MTCV to help make your event an unforgettable success. The Bureau's Sports Development department will help you find what you need for your next tournament, competition or meeting.

http://www.visittucson.org/

The history of life in the Tucson Valley begins ca. 10,000 B.C. with the migrations of Paleoindian and Archaic hunters and gatherers. Whether or not there was continuous habitation is unclear, though evidence of agricultural settlements along the Santa Cruz River have been found dating from ca. 1000 B.C.

Between A.D. 200 and 1450, the Hohokam culture thrives. The Pima and Tohono O'odham are the descendents of that advanced civilization, and have inhabited the region since the Hohokam decline.

Around 1540 the Coronado Expedition crosses Arizona in search of the "Seven Cities of Gold."

Father Francisco Kino establishes the Mission San Xavier del Bac in 1699. It won't be until 1797 that it will be completed.

The Mission San Agustin, a "visita" of San Xavier, is established on the west bank of the Santa Cruz River in 1757. The construction of the mission and the convento is completed in 1790's.

In 1775, Hugo O'Conor establishes the Tucson Presido. This year marks the official birthdate of the City of Tucson. Tucson becomes part of Mexico when it fights for independence in 1821. After the Gadsden Purchase in 1854, Tucson falls under the jurisdiction of the United States.
Arizona becomes an official territory in 1863. Between 1867 and 1877, Tucson holds the title of territorial capitol.

In 1880, the Southern Pacific Railroad reaches Tucson. The population reaches 8,000.