Just one hour south of Tucson you can spend the day exploring over 100 art galleries, studios and shops. See the oldest mission in Arizona, and the second oldest schoolhouse in the state.
We took a road trip to southern Arizona just to check out one of the oldest communities in this state.
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History Buffs and Artists: Tubac Arizona
Tubac is not a well-known place in Arizona, but this artsy town should be on your list.
Tumacacori National Historic Park
One of my personal favorite historical places in Arizona is the mission at Tumacacori. San José de Tumacacori Mission is the first church in Arizona territory.
This church was built in 1691 near the Santa Cruz River. The original building was moved to the location it is at now. It is in amazing condition.
To learn more about Tumacacori
Tubac Presidio State Historic Park
The Spanish Army built Fort Tubac in 1752 to protect the nearby settlements. It was one of the stops on the Royal Road that connected more than 21 missions from Mexico to California.
The Tubac Presidio State Historic Park is Arizona’s first state park. See the second oldest schoolhouse in Arizona. Built in 1885, the Old Tubac Schoolhouse was created with mudbrick and had dirt floors.
At its peak more than 130 students were enrolled for one school year. Additions were made to the school over the years. Eventually the school house was stuccoed.
It is on the National Historic Registry. The oldest schoolhouse in the state is near Payson in Strawberry, Arizona.
For more information on Tubac visit the Tubac Chamber of Commerce website.