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Below is a title list of most interesting local History stories about Tucson and the vicinity. Click on one of interest or browse through the stories further below.

Brief History Of Tucson: A Timeline

I find the history of Tucson fascinating, and enjoy leading our Southern Arizona Guide Tucson History & Libation Tour one Sunday a month. It is much easier to get my mind around all that has happened here over the past many centuries when I can put it all into context. … Continue reading

Tucson History: The Death Of Dr. John Handy

In the 1880’s through the early 1890’s, Tucson was still a rough, often violent town. Geronimo had surrendered in 1886 and his Chiricahua Apaches hauled off to exile in Florida. But even after the Apache threat was largely history, Tucson and all of Southern Arizona continued to be known for … Continue reading

A Fate Worse Than Death: How Pennington Street Got Its Name!

How did Pennington Street in Downtown Tucson get its name? (a) Could Pennington Street be named for some 19th century politician and merchant like Estevan Ochoa, who established a successful business supplying Indian reservations and U.S. Army forts northeast of Tucson? He served as mayor (1875-76) and has a downtown … Continue reading

Atanacia Hughes Comments On The Camp Grant Massacre

Part III: William Oury – Epilogue This is part of a series on William Oury and the Camp Grant Massacre. If you have not read Part I and Part II on William Oury, start here at Part I. [Tucson 1930’s] Late in her long life, Atanacia Hughes (1850-1934), was interviewed … Continue reading

William (Bill) Ourys’ Defense of the Camp Grant Massacre

Part II: Now that you know Mr. Oury’s background from Part I, we can proceed with his formal Justification for the slaughter of defenseless Indians, to which he admits. It was presented 14 years after the incident. I have inserted my comments [in bold ] to add clarity and context … Continue reading

The Saga Of William (Bill) Oury: Tucson’s First Mayor (Part I)

Part I: William [Bill] Oury, Tucson’s first mayor, says the “so-called” Camp Grant Massacre of “defenseless” Aravaipa Apaches was justified and the results were good for Tucson. At the time most, perhaps all Tucson residents agreed. His wholehearted formal defense of Tucson’s bloodiest and most formative event is presented in … Continue reading

José María Sosa: A Spanish Soldier at Tucsón Presidio

Background: Presidio New & Old Editor’s Note. If you have an interest in Tucson’s early history, Hector Soza’s story is a special chapter about our early Presidio Period, a unique time and place in America’s legendary past. However, to appreciate this story’s full richness, it will help to have some … Continue reading

The Scourge That Killed More Tucson Pioneers Than Apaches Did

From 1861 to 1886, only the most foolhardy Tucsonans would venture much beyond their little town surrounded by hostile desert and more hostile Apaches. Today, few know that six of Tucson’s first streets were named for local men killed by Apaches. Only one was named for a man who instead … Continue reading

Tucson Street Names Honor Many Who Were Killed By Apaches

Many of Tucson’s first streets were named for early pioneers, folks who came to the Old Pueblo in the 1860’s or early ’70’s. I was struck by how many of our street names honor pioneers who were killed by Apaches. Then I got to wondering, how many Tucson street names … Continue reading

Tucson Sense of Place: Vintage Neon Signs: Part I

Editor’s Note: This is a Three part series. You can reach the other Parts by clicking the link at the bottom of the article. Dedicated Tucsonans interested in preserving our city’s history have, over the past 7 or 8 years, saved quite a few of the old neon signs that … Continue reading