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"A Modern City in the Old Pueblo " a Tucson Travel Page by lamentforicarus

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"A Modern City in the Old Pueblo " a Tucson Travel Page by lamentforicarus

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lamentforicarus    
Strange travel suggestions are tap-dancing lessons from God.


Real Name: Brian
Lives In: Tucson, US
Member Since: Apr 25, 2004
VT Rank: 1006

 

Page Views: 5,690            Last Visit to Tucson: -      I Live Here

A Modern City in the Old Pueblo

by lamentforicarus - last update: May 21, 2004

High-rise buildings in downtown Tucson
The sleek high-rise buildings and modern shopping centers in downtown often mislead visitors to think of Tucson as a relatively young and upcoming city. In fact, it is one of the oldest inhabited areas of the United States, with Paleoindian artifacts dating back 12,000 years. Permanent agricultural settlements first began to appear in the area around 1000 B.C. The Tucson Presidio was established in 1775 by Hugo O'Conor, marking the birth date of the town. In 1821, Tucson declared its independence from New Spain and joined Mexico for more than thirty years before the Gadsden Purchase turned Tucson over to the United States. Evidence of Tucson's rich history and unique cultural identity and can be seen in the San Xavier Mission, one of the oldest buildings in the nation (see my Must See pages), and the Yaqui and Tohono O'odham Nations nearby.

Today, Tucson embraces a diverse make up of Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo-American culture, and celebrates its heritage through a multitude of festivities and events occurring throughout the year. Experience a Yaqui dear dance, a tradition which combines native belief with the Catholic holiday of Easter, introduced by the Spanish. Celebrating Cinco de Mayo or El Dia de los Muertos serves as a reminder of Tucson's strong Mexican heritage.

The natural beauty of the Sonoran desert abounds in the city and its surroundings, drawing hoards of tourists each year. The wide variety of plant and animal life attracts nature-lovers from around the world, and can be seen on the rocky trails of Sabino Canyon, which bend around Saguaros and Prickly Pear cacti in the Catalina Mountains, or the footpaths of Tohono Chul Park (see my Must See pages), where thousands of flowers draw tiny hummingbirds and brightly colored butterflies.

No visitor to Tucson will find a shortage of sights to see and activities to do. Whether you come for the natural beauty and serenity of the Sonoran desert, the 360 days of annual sunshine, or the extraordinary culture and history, you will be captivated by the city's old charm and young heart.

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Pros:"Desert beauty, rich history, and laid back attitude"
Cons:"Hot in the summer!"
lamentforicarus' Tucson Travel Tips

OverviewThings to Do
Tips: 14 - Photos: 12
 
Restaurants
Tips: 7 - Photos: 6
Hotels & Accommodations
 
NightlifeOff The Beaten Path
Tips: 2 - Photos: 1
 
Tourist TrapsWarnings Or Dangers
Tips: 2 - Photos: 2
 
Transportation
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1
Local Customs
 
Packing Lists
Tips: 1
Shopping
Tips: 7 - Photos: 7
 
Sports TravelGeneral Tips

lamentforicarus' Tucson Travelogues
Title [Click to view]Travel YearPictures
Tucson In Bloom- 8
Arizona Sunsets- 4

Comments for lamentforicarus about Tucson
Jim_Eliason Fri Dec 14, 2007 06:00 UTC
 great page!
karraokey Mon Oct 29, 2007 16:14 UTC
 Don'texitcartotakepicturesofthefencedcemetery. Afterexitingyourcarandwalkingupanelevated dirtdrivewaytotakepicsanIndianpolicetruckwilldrive upandunfriendlyuniformedIndianswillthreaten youwithacitationfortrespassingonIndianland.Thereis nowarningsign.
Hopkid Tue May 15, 2007 13:23 UTC
 Great tips here! My dad has a night blooming cereus and sends us photos each year when it blooms. Oh, and La Parilla Suiza...mmmmm good!
barbskie Sun Sep 10, 2006 14:45 UTC
 Fascinating thing! Great tip.cheers
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