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Tubac Presidio State Historic Park Museum

Discover Arizona's birthplace at Tubac Presidio: Explore ancient ruins, historic buildings, and captivating stories from the Southwest's vibrant past.

4.5

Explore Arizona's rich history at Tubac Presidio, the state's first European settlement. See the ruins of the Spanish fort, tour historic buildings, and discover artifacts from Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and early American cultures. A captivating journey through 2,000 years of Southwestern heritage.

A brief summary to Tubac Presidio State Historic Park Museum

Local tips

  • Visit during the cooler months (October-April) to avoid the desert heat and enjoy outdoor activities.
  • Check the park's event calendar for living history presentations, cultural events, and guided tours.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven ground and exploring the archaeological sites.
  • Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water, as shade can be limited.
  • Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully explore the museum, historic buildings, and grounds.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From I-19, take Exit 34 (Tubac Road). Head east on Tubac Road. Continue for approximately 0.3 miles to 1 Burruel Street. The Tubac Presidio State Historic Park will be on your left. Free parking is available at the Visitor Center.

  • Walking

    From the Tubac Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, located at the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, head south on Burruel Street. The entrance to the park will be immediately visible. The walk is short and easy.

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Discover more about Tubac Presidio State Historic Park Museum

Step back in time at the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park Museum, where you can explore the fascinating history of Arizona's first European settlement. Established in 1752 as the Presidio San Ignacio de Tubac, this site preserves the ruins of the Spanish fort and offers a glimpse into the lives of the soldiers, settlers, and indigenous people who shaped the region. Explore the excavated foundations of the original presidio, uncovered by archaeologists in 1974, and wander through historic buildings dating back to the 1800s and 1900s. Don't miss the 1885 Territorial Schoolhouse, one of the oldest in Arizona, furnished with desks and a potbelly stove. The museum showcases a diverse collection of artifacts, from ancient Native American tools to the first printing press in Arizona, which printed the state's first newspaper in 1859. Walk the grounds and imagine life in this strategic outpost, which served under six different governments: New Spain, Mexico, the United States of America, New Mexico Territory, The Confederate States of America, and the Arizona Territory. The park also provides access to the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, offering a scenic hike along the Santa Cruz River. Tubac Presidio State Historic Park is more than just a museum; it's a portal to the past, where you can connect with the stories and cultures that have shaped Arizona.

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