Unearthing History: Is Tucson Truly the Oldest Town in Arizona?
Tucson’s most often cited founding date is 1775, when Spanish Lt. Colonel Don Hugo O’Connor established the Presidio San Agustín del Tucson. This military fort, built to protect the area from attacks, became the foundation for the modern city. The city celebrates this origin story annually on August 20th, known as Founder’s Day. This date is often cited as the town’s founding date.
Before the Presidio: Indigenous Roots and Early Settlements
However, long before the Spanish arrived, the Tucson area was home to thriving indigenous communities. Archaeological evidence reveals human presence in the region dating……