Tuscon Official Destination Guide - Fall/Winter 2008 - (Page 16)

Tucson Scene: PRESIDIO SAN AGUSTÍN DEL TUCSON OUR PAST PRESERVED BY SARAH LOGAN xperience living history at the Presidio San Agustín del Tucson. Within the heart of downtown, visitors can get a sense of what life was like in Tucson during the Spanish Colonial years. Step inside a replica of one of the first European structures in Tucson and travel back in time to the era of the Spanish military. Lt. Col. Hugh O’Connor established Presidio San Agustín in 1775. The fort marked the northwestern edge of the Spanish frontier in Arizona and was completed around 1780. At that time, the presidio covered 11 acres, surrounded by 10-foot-high adobe walls and 20-foot-high corner towers. This structure earned Tucson its nickname, “The Old Pueblo.” Completed in 2007, the reconstructed presidio represents the northeast corner of the original fort. Historic timeline markers explain the significance of the structure, but the costumed docents bring the presidio history to life. Walk the Sonoran-style streets to meet the people of the presidio. Visitors can see tortillas being made on the outdoor stove called a comal or watch an outdoor oven, or horno, be fired up to bake various types of breads. 16 TUCSON OFFICIAL DESTINATION GUIDE Volunteers wearing Colonial-style dress demonstrate spinning using hand spindles and spinning wheels. Guests can participate in soap making and woodworking, and you won’t want to miss the firing of the replica cannon during the Spanish Night Watch demonstration. Visitors can tour the Casa de Soldado and personally experience the living quarters of the many soldiers who were stationed at the fort. Inside the house is a valuable archaeology exhibit displaying Presidio-era and Territorial-period artifacts uncovered within the park. If a visit to the presidio inspires you to learn more about Tucson’s history, the El Presidio Historic District Walking Tour is a must. See the map on the following pages. Another option is the Turquoise Trail tour. Beginning at San Agustín del Tucson, the tour winds its way through downtown, highlighting historic places along the way. Stop by the Visitor Center to pick up a guided tour map for the Turquoise Trail and experience Tucson’s treasures of yesteryear. Photography clockwise: Presidio San Agustín del Tucson reenactment by Fred Hood, Presidio San Agustín del Tucson by Jeff Bonner, Presidio San Agustín del Tucson plaque by Jeff Bonner WWW.VISITTUCSON.ORG http://www.visittucson.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Tuscon Official Destination Guide - Fall/Winter 2008

Tuscon Official Destination Guide - Fall/Winter 2008 Contents Welcome to Tucson Maps & Transportation Accommodations Culinary Heritage & Culture Outdoor Adventure & Nature Golf Attractions & the Arts Shopping Newcomers & Services Index

Tuscon Official Destination Guide - Fall/Winter 2008

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