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La Misión San José de Tumacácori

Explore Arizona's Spanish colonial history at this beautifully preserved mission, offering insights into the cultural heritage of the region.

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Discover the rich history of the Spanish colonial era at La Misión San José de Tumacácori, a beautifully preserved Spanish mission in southern Arizona. Founded by Jesuit Father Eusebio Francisco Kino in 1691, this historical landmark offers a glimpse into the cultural fusion between Spanish missionaries and local Native American communities.

A brief summary to La Misión San José de Tumacácori

  • Rio Rico, Tumacacori, Arizona, 85648, US

Local tips

  • Visit the Tumacácori National Historical Park visitor center for a video, museum exhibits, and a bookstore to enhance your understanding of the mission's history.
  • Check the park's schedule for special events like La Fiesta de Tumacácori, which celebrates the region's diverse cultural heritage.
  • Take a self-guided tour around the mission grounds to see the church, cemetery, and traditional O'odham dwelling.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Tumacácori National Historical Park is located off Exit 29 on Interstate 19, approximately 45 miles south of Tucson and 19 miles north of Nogales. Take Exit 29 and follow the signs to the park entrance. There is ample parking available at the visitor center.

  • Walking

    From the Tumacácori visitor center, the mission is a short walk. Follow the paved pathway from the visitor center to the mission entrance. The walk is approximately 0.1 miles and offers views of the mission grounds.

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Discover more about La Misión San José de Tumacácori

La Misión San José de Tumacácori, now part of Tumacácori National Historical Park, stands as a testament to Arizona's Spanish colonial past and the interactions between Spanish missionaries and the indigenous O'odham people. Founded in 1691 by Jesuit Father Eusebio Francisco Kino, it represents one of the oldest Spanish missions in Arizona. Originally established as Mission San Cayetano de Tumacácori on the east side of the Santa Cruz River, the mission was moved to its present location on the west side after the O'odham rebellion of 1751 and renamed San José de Tumacácori. The Franciscans took over the mission in 1767 after the expulsion of the Jesuits from New Spain. Around 1800, construction began on a larger church, which was used by the early 1820s, though it was never fully completed. Apache raids and other factors led to its abandonment in December 1848, with residents relocating to Mission San Xavier del Bac. Today, visitors can explore the historic church, wander through the mission grounds, and visit the museum to learn about the mission's history and cultural significance. The site includes a reproduction of a traditional O'odham dwelling, offering insights into the lives of the native people who lived in the area. The Tumacácori National Historical Park also protects the ruins of two other missions, Los Santos Ángeles de Guevavi and San Cayetano de Calabazas.

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