Historic Landmarks
Tubac and southern Arizona is filled with rich historical events and landmarks.
Tubac Presidio State Historic Park
Tubac is Arizona’s oldest European community and home to the largest and best preserved 18th century Spanish presidio (fort) in the world. Tubac Presidio State Historic Park is Arizona’s first state park. The 1885 furnished schoolhouse, Otero Hall, and Rojas House are all on the National Register of Historic Places. The Park features a museum, underground display of the Presidio ruins, Arizona’s first printing press, an exhibition of paintings of Arizona history by William Ahrendt, a picnic area, and the Juan Bautista de Anza Trailhead. This is located across the street from the Floating Stone Inn.
Tumacácori National Historical Park
Tumacácori NHP protects three Spanish colonial mission ruins in southern Arizona: Tumacácori, Guevavi, and Calabazas. The adobe structures are on three sites, with a visitor center at Tumacácori. These missions are among more than twenty established in the Pimería Alta by Father Kino and other Jesuits, and later expanded upon by Franciscan missionaries. This is located approximately 5 minutes south of Tubac.
Mission San Xavier del Bac
Mission San Xavier del Bac is known as one of the finest examples of mission architecture in the country. Named “the White Dove of the Desert” for stark contrast between surrounding land and building. Interior is covered with recently restored intricate, handpainted frescos. South-facing exterior is usually best photographed in the late afternoon sun. The hill adjacent to the mission provides an interesting angle. Located just south of Tucson, the Mission as about 30 minutes north of Tubac.
