Tubac has been inhabited for over 10,000 years.  During this time it has seen many cultures come and go from Prehistoric times to the Hohokam, Pima and O’odham Indian cultures as well as the Apaches.  In the past 325 years Tubac has served 5 different flags: Mexico, Spain, United States, Confederate States and the State of Arizona.  These flags protected the Spanish explorers, Spanish Clergy and Missions, miners, ranchers, farmers and settlers.

Some of the most notables in Tubac’s history include:

Father Kino
In 1687 Father Kino arrived in Sonora, Mexico and by the 1690's established the Catholic Church in the area.  
 

Luis Oacpicagugua
A Pima leader who in 1751 headed a rebellion against the Europeans. Razing most of Spanish Settlements in the Tubac area with a band of over 2000 warriors.

Captain Juan Bautista de Anza, II
The most famous resident of Tubac, Anza was stationed in Tubac from 1760-1776.  It was during this posting in Tubac that he led an expedition to what is now Monterey, California.  Although Anza returned to Tubac, the expedition continued north to establish what is now San Francisco.

Charles Poston
 "The Father of Arizona” -  In 1856 Poston charged into a desolated and abandon Tubac.  His mining company “Sonora Exploring and Mining Company” reopened the abandoned Spanish military colony and Tubac saw a rebirth and resurgence in local business.  With advent of the Civil War in 1861 Poston’s investments became worthless.

T. Lillie Mercer and Sabino Otero
In 1882 the efforts of these two pioneers established what would be the modern Tubac.  The founded the first school and with the aid of their “scouts” combated the Apaches and established the current age of peace, which allowed Tubac to grow into the modern day center that it is today.

Dale Nichols
Mr. Nichols established the Arts School and put Tubac on the map of the Art world.  The first Tubac Festival of the Arts was held in 1960 and the Tubac Center for the Arts soon followed in 1972.

TUBAC – WHERE ART MEETS HISTORY

For more information about the history of Tubac go to the following links:

About Tubac

TUBAC EVENTS

SANTA CRUZ VALLEY CAR NUTS SHOW
Jan. 23,. 2010

TUBAC FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
Feb. 10 - 14, 2010

ARTWALK
March 27 & 28, 2010

TASTE OF TUBAC
April 3, 2010

Whether you are spending a day, a week or a season -- a visit to these local businesses will make your stay complete.  Enjoy the history, enjoy the weather and above all enjoy the art and shopping. 

It all comes together in Tubac.