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
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 once … Continue reading
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
As a “city”, Tucson really came into its own in the first decade of the 20th century, even though the city was legally incorporated in 1877. It never amounted to anything of importance until the Southern Pacific Railroad arrived in 1880. The railroad connected Tucson to the outside world. It brought hardware, lumber, and fresh produce at affordable prices. Even today, you can see how the architecture of the city changed after the arrival of the railroad.
Continue readingSome time ago, we published our review of Bettina O’Neil Lyon’s excellent Tucson history book entitled Zeckendorfs & Steinfelds: Merchant Princes of the American Southwest. Tina is the granddaughter of Albert & Bettina Steinfeld. I was particularly interested because I learned so much about Downtown Tucson and its fascinating pioneer … Continue reading
ALL OUR TOURS ARE CURRENTLY by PRIVATE CHARTER ONLY Our new, very special Tucson History & Libation Walking Tour last month was a real hit, so we will be offering it again. Get the full schedule of tours and dates here. This is your opportunity to experience 1870’s Tucson through the … Continue reading
Recently we made another visit to the Mission Garden nestled under “A” Mountain in Tucson. This is where the original gardens of one of the first settlers of Tucson tended an elaborate garden complete with an irrigation system. Having last been to the Mission Garden some years ago when it … Continue reading
How Tucson’s Wealthiest & Most Prominent Civic Leaders Committed Mass Murder & Got Away With It. Today, there’s nothing there. Nothing to suggest what happened in the early morning of April 30, 1871. Nothing to commemorate this blood-soaked ground where between 118 and 144 people, almost all women and children, … Continue reading
Editor’s note: 2022-01-11. Every January, the Hotel Congress stages a reenactment of the capture of the Dillinger gang. Be sure to visit the courtroom where Dillenger was arraigned in the old courthouse, which is now open again as the Visitor’s Center, Heritage & Mineral Museum. Part1 of 3: The Dillinger … Continue reading
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
