Why is tucson called tucson

Bob Leatherwood was so proud that he wanted the world to know. Some time soon after that, and it is impossible to tell exactly when, A. The age of advertising slogans, jingles and brand names, coupled with the idealizing of a mythical Southwest begun with the Santa Fe Railroad and the Fred Harvey Company, learned how to capitalize on the Land of Enchantment, Indian Detours, and other catch phrases to lure Eastern tourists to a fictionalized romantic Wild West, as seen in movies and adventure magazines.

Spanish colonial soldiers lived inside the presidio wall for more than 80 years, protected against Apache raids. Pela has been a weekly contributor to Phoenix New Times since , primarily as a cultural critic. Contact: Robrt L. Don't Miss Out. Join Today. Sign Up. I Support Learn More. Latest Stories. Your browser is not supported for this experience.

We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. It's no accident that the Tucson region is home to more than a million residents and hosts more than 7 million visitors a year. There's something magical about this place where the Santa Cruz and Rillito Rivers converge, where five mountain ranges form a protected valley, and where majestic saguaros stand guard on the desert floor while aspen and pine whisper high above them on mountain peaks.

But people had long before feeling something special here and made it their home. In fact, the area we call Tucson is one of the oldest continually inhabited areas in North America. During what is commonly referred to as the "Old West" era to Tucson was the battleground of many clashes between cattle ranchers, settlers, miners, and the Apache Indians.

In , Tucson was incorporated as a city, making it the oldest city in Arizona, and with the arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in , Tucson's multicultural roots expanded and deepened as new residents adopted customs of both the Tohono O'odham Indians, Mexicans and early settlers that were already living here.

Tucson is situated in the eastern portion of Pima County, Arizona in one of the lushest valleys found in the Sonoran Desert. Waitstaff and taxi drivers receive percent, or more if service is exceptional. That makes this one of the oldest continually inhabited areas in North America! International travelers are encouraged to obtain US currency prior to arrival in Tucson, though ATMs from major US banks with locations in the area Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo may also be an option depending on your home banking arrangement.

International visitors go through U. Customs at their original port of entry, before arriving at Tucson International Airport. Arizona law prohibits anyone younger than age 21 to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages.

The purchase, service, or consumption of liquor in public is prohibited from 2 a. Medical and recreational age 21 and over usage of marijuana is now legal in Arizona, within regulations.

Tax added to overnight accommodation rate: Tucson: Church Ave. Call toll-free: or go to visitsouthernarizona. Hours: Daily 10 a. The visitor center includes various exhibits, a theater, gallery and other neat features designed to introduce you to new places and provide inspiration to guide your journey. Euclid Ave. Hours are 9 a. Here, you can pick up travel guides, browse souvenirs, or get some insider tips from terrific volunteers.

For more information: visitorcenter. Temporarily Closed. Visit the Visit Tucson online calendar of events here. The University of Arizona also offers information for parents and visitors looking to explore their extensive cultural offerings.