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Exchange at the Presidio - The Mormon Battalion Enters Tucson

Commemorating the Mormon Battalion's peaceful entry into Tucson, a symbol of cooperation in 1846 during the Mexican-American War.

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This historical landmark in downtown Tucson commemorates the peaceful entry of the Mormon Battalion into Tucson in 1846. The site features a large bronze sculpture depicting the meeting between battalion members and Mexican representatives, symbolizing a moment of averted conflict and peaceful trade.

A brief summary to Exchange at the Presidio - The Mormon Battalion Enters Tucson

  • 165 W Alameda St, Tucson, Downtown, Arizona, 85701, US
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Local tips

  • Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the details of the bronze sculpture and the surrounding El Presidio Plaza.
  • Combine your visit with a walk around the historic El Presidio neighborhood to explore Tucson's earlyPresidio history.
  • Check out other nearby historical sites, such as the Tucson Museum of Art and the Old Town Artisans.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Exchange at the Presidio is located in El Presidio Plaza in downtown Tucson. From most downtown hotels or attractions, it's easily accessible by foot. Head towards the Pima County Courthouse; the plaza is directly adjacent. Look for the large bronze sculpture in the northwest portion of the plaza.

  • Public Transport

    Tucson's public transit system, Sun Tran, serves downtown Tucson. Several bus routes stop near El Presidio Plaza. Check the Sun Tran website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. As of July 2025, public transit in Tucson is fare-free.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Tucson. Simply request a ride to El Presidio Plaza, 165 W Alameda St, Tucson, AZ 85701. A short ride from most points in downtown Tucson will likely cost between $7 and $12.

  • Parking

    Metered street parking is available around El Presidio Plaza. As of July 2025, metered parking is enforced Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and costs $1 per hour. Parking is free on Sundays. Several parking garages and lots are also located within walking distance, with hourly rates typically around $1 per hour. The Toole Avenue Parking Lot is one option.

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Discover more about Exchange at the Presidio - The Mormon Battalion Enters Tucson

The Exchange at the Presidio marks the spot where the Mormon Battalion entered Tucson in 1846, a pivotal moment during the Mexican-American War. The battalion, consisting of volunteers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was en route to California when they approached the Mexican outpost of Tucson. Faced with a potentially hostile garrison, the battalion's commander, Lt. Col. Philip St. George Cooke, sought to avoid bloodshed. He sent word to the Mexican leaders expressing his desire for peaceful passage. The Mexican troops, realizing they were outnumbered and outgunned, chose to evacuate Tucson. On December 16, 1846, the Mormon Battalion entered Tucson without firing a shot. This peaceful exchange is commemorated by a monument in El Presidio Plaza, featuring a bronze statue of battalion members Christopher Layton and Jefferson Hunt engaging in trade with Teodoro Ramirez, a prominent Tucson merchant. The monument symbolizes the cooperation and exchange that occurred between the two groups, highlighting a moment of peace amidst war. The Mormon Battalion's march and service supported the eventual cession of much of the American Southwest from Mexico to the United States, especially the Gadsden Purchase of 1854 of portions of modern southern Arizona and New Mexico.

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