Tucson is the southeastern part of Arizona is a city steeped in history and a location in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. The history of Tucson dates back thousands of years, with evidence of Paleo-Indians inhabiting the area as early as 10,000 BC. The Hohokam people, known for their advanced irrigation systems, lived in the region from around 450 to 1450 CE. The modern city was officially founded on August 20, 1775, when Spanish explorer Hugo O’Conor established the Presidio San Agustín del Tucsón. The city’s strategic location made it a vital military and trade post throughout its history, transitioning from Spanish to Mexican, and finally to American control following the Gadsden Purchase in 1854.

Tucson’s rich cultural tapestry is further woven by its diverse influences, including Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo-American heritage. The city’s growth was significantly boosted by the arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1880, which transformed Tucson into a center of commerce and transportation. Today, Tucson is known for its vibrant arts scene, educational institutions, and as a gateway to the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding desert and mountains.

If you want to explore downtown Tucson, you can start at the urban park Jácome Plaza. It is a square where old meets new, and where you can see the landmark building, Pima County Historic Courthouse. It is an outstanding example of Spanish Colonial Revival style with its blue-tiled dome and pink stucco walls as the most prominent features. Pima County Historic Courthouse was designed by Roy Place in 1928 and was a courthouse for many years. Today, the grand building is open as heritage and visitor center.

You can continue the downtown walk one block away to the Fox Tucson Theatre, which opened in 1930. Today, it is a beautifully restored Art Deco building that performances from classic films to live concerts. The otherwise mix of architecture is worth seeing. You can visit the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum, a railroad museum at the former Southern Pacific Depot and close to the present Amtrak station. There are other choices as well, like the Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson and the always popular and playful Children’s Museum Tucson.

One of Tucson’s most iconic heritage buildings is the Mission San Xavier del Bac, located in the southern outskirts of the city. The mission is sometimes referred to as the White Dove of the Desert and it is easy to see why. The place was founded in 1692 by Jesuit missionary Eusebio Francisco Kino, and the mission complex now stands as a stunning example of Spanish Colonial architecture. The beautiful exterior is matched by the intricate interior decor with elaborate frescoes, and the mission is a must-visit in Tucson for history and architecture enthusiasts.

There is another nice walk in Tucson, and that is at the campus of University of Arizona a bit northeast of downtown. Here you can see the Old Main building standing as a significant landmark. Old Main was opened in 1891, and it is the oldest building on campus and showcases a blend of Victorian and Territorial architectural styles. The grounds are nice, and you can visit places as the Arizona State Museum with exhibitions on history and ethnology of the region, the African American Museum of Southern Arizona, and the Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium besides looking at the campus from the Mall.