Tucson's History

From Old Pueblo to Southwestern Metropolis

Tucson was formally founded in 1775, about the time the nation's forefathers were signing the Declaration of Independence. Locally, the city is still called the Old Pueblo for the adobe fortress or "presidio" that marked its early borders.

Over the past three centuries, Tucson has grown from a Native American farming community, to Spanish outpost, to dusty frontier town, to bustling territorial days' railroad hub, to today's Southwestern metropolis of a million people.

For an introduction to Tucson and Southern Arizona's past, visit the Arizona Historical Society and the Arizona State Museum. Stroll through a restored 19th century neighborhood on the self-guided Downtown Walking Tour, available in our Tucson Official Visitors Guide and see Sonoran architecture and the site of the original Spanish presidio. To learn about Tucson's significant aviation history, visit Pima Air & Space Museum, the world's largest privately-funded air museum. We also have many historic day trips to match your interests.