Tubac Presidio State Historic Park preserves the site of the oldest Spanish presidio
(or fort) in Arizona. Established in 1752, the Presidio San Ignacio de Tubac was the first
European settlement in what later became the state of Arizona. No visit to Tubac is complete
without a stop at Arizona's first state park located in the heart of Tubac village.
The Tubac Presidio is one of only three presidios in Arizona and is one of the rare
sites where the story of New Spain's presidios can be adequately told. (A presidio is
buried under downtown Tucson and another is near Fairbank in Cochise County.)
A self-guided tour of the Park grounds features an underground archaeological exhibit
where visitors can view excavated portions of the original adobe foundation, walls and
plaza floor of the 1752 Commandant's quarters, as well as artifacts discovered during the excavation.
The Park's museum offers a fascinating look at the timeline of human settlement in the
Santa Cruz River Valley, dating back to the Pima Indian settlement in the 1500s.
The Park preserves three significant buildings on the National Register of Historic
Places: Arizona's second oldest Territorial School House (1885), the Otero Hall (1914) and the Rojas House (1890).
The Park exhibits the hand press used to print the first newspaper in Arizona, The Weekly
Arizonian, published in 1859. The press is still operational and volunteers print a commemorative
edition of the paper for visitors.
The Park serves as trailhead for a 4.5-mile section of the Juan Bautista de Anza National
Historic Trail which follows the Santa Cruz River to the Tumacácori National Historical Park.
Various cultural events are held on-site throughout the year, including Anza Days (October),
Los Tubaqueños living history presentations, archeological tours, nature walks and concerts.
There is always a 'Happening' at the Tubac Presidio! Check the VisitTubac.com Calendar for our upcoming events. show me
Located in Old Town Tubac
1 Burruel Street
Tubac, AZ 85646
Hours: Open daily 9am to 5pm
Entrance fees: $5 Adult (14+), $2 Youth (7-13), FREE Child (0-6)
Phone: 520-398-2252
Join our mail list! Drop us an email, and we'll take it from there: info@tubacpp.com
