....AND IN THE BEGINNING

Tucson is often called "The Old Pueblo," an affectionate nickname that arrived on the local scene sometime around the 1920's. Tucson's roots are firmly planted in an early Indian and Spanish history. As early as 400 A.D. the Pima Indians settled in this area, while the Spanish and Mexican settlers arrived around 1775.

Tucson was initially a European settlement established in 1775, about four months after the famous ride of Mr. Paul Revere. Strangely enough, a gentleman named Don Hugo O'Conor, an Irishman , was the founder of Tucson. Mr. O'Conor it seems, was an officer in the army of Spain, and stationed at a little known area south of present day Tucson, called Tubac.

Over the course of our colorful history, we have been under four different flags, beginning with Spain. After gaining independence from Spain in 1821, Mexico raised its flag over the "pueblito," of Tucson. Sessionists gained control of Tucson and elected Granville Oury to the Confederate Congress, but he never served. Local business men who were not willing to take the "oath," were driven out of town. In 1862, shortly after the battle at Picacho Pass, the Union Army recaptured Tucson, and raised the Stars and Stripes. On February 14, 1912, Arizona became the 48th state.

The Tortolita Mountain Area has a long and varied history. Below you will find categories that fit various themes. Feel free to click on each on to give you information on those areas you are specifically interested in. Be aware that this site will be added to on a regular basis and not all of the below subjects are completed. Check back periodically if you are a history buff and you will find something new.

Geological

First Inhabitants

The Indians

Spanish Influence

Early Anglos

Tom Jeffords & Cochise

The Ranches

Recent History