Origen of the culture of Tucson

            Through many secondary sources, several clues can be gleaned about the culture and population of Tucson and the region of southern Arizona. What can be gathered foremost about the region is the vast cultural shift that took place. The recorded history of the culture of the region began when father Kino came to the region to start his mission. At that time the region was populated by the indigenous Indian populations such as the papago. As time moved on the culture became more and more Spanish as more colonists came into the region from Europe bringing with them new businesses and a strong catholic faith. The next wave of immigrants into the region would be a far more drastic change. When Mexico declared and won independence from Spain it left the region of Arizona weak in Mexican military presence and left the door open to the Mexican American war. When the United States won the war and annexed the territories of Texas New Mexico Arizona and southern California, it became appealing for the Anglo population to begin moving into the region around Tucson. In his book, Sonnichen describes Tucson as a transformation from a small frontier outpost centered around an ancient pueblo and a Spanish mission, into an urban metropolis. The growth of this Metropolis as Sonnichen describes is demonstrated though the original map he provides compared to the map of Tucson today.



Original Town Map of Tucson after Mission





Downtown Tucson