Tubac Presidio circa 1774, a year before it was abandoned in favor of a new fort at Tucson. Painting by William Ahrendt .

Tubac Presidio State Historic Park is located off I-19 between Mission San Xavier and Mission Tumacácori in Tubac Village.The Presidio and the modern Village of Tubac combine for a very worthwhile destination. The Park is now operated by the Friends of Tubac Presido Park & Museum, due to the cuts by the Arizona Legislature in 2010.

The abandoned Tubac Presidio circa 1890.

Tubac is Arizona’s oldest European community. The 1885 furnished schoolhouse, Otero Hall, and Rojas House are all on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Park features a small, but fine museum, an underground display of the Presidio ruins, Arizona’s first printing press, a picnic area, school house, church, and the Juan Bautista de Anza Trailhead.

Of special note is the “Cavalcade of History” art exhibit in Otero Hall. Sixteen paintings from the Arizona Highways collection by renowned Western artist William Ahrendt depict scenes from Arizona’s colorful history. You will marvel at the detail and authenticity of these images. Ahrendt really did his homework, and some of his notes accompany each painting. Highly recommended.

Admission $5 adult, $2 youth (7–13), children free.

The modernVillage of Tubac consists of many shops, galleries, and restaurants. The Tubac Deli & Coffee near the Village entrance has fresh brewed coffee drinks, fresh pastries and pies, and good sandwiches – hot or cold. Elvira’s Mexican Restaurant on the Frontage Road in the new section is a Jim’s Pick. For more Tubac Restaurant Reviews visit here.
For more History around Tubac and Tumacacori visit Tubac History here.