Tumacacori National Historical Park — Attraction in Nogales

First of all the location shown by Google is WRONG, the park entry is actually several hundreds of feet north of the location shown on the Google Map..

GPS Tumacácori National Historical Park 1891 Interstate 19 Frontage Rd, Tumacacori-Carmen, AZ 85640 31.568517, -111.050911

Most people do not see all that there is to see, for they do not follow all the trails to the rear areas and the Kiln, farms, trails, and river areas. Additionally, many people do NOT take the time to actually view and read the many historic signs and building details, which is a shame as this is a Historic Site and there is much to learn about our history, why the park exist, and its relationship to the White Dove near Tucson.

When leaving the park, one should head north on the frontage road to Tubac, and the State Park there, this park completes the local story of the mission and the people of yesteryear.

As a reporter for SeniorCitizenLocalWeb who has documented all three locations I have to recommend that you start at Tumacácori, then go to Tubac, and finish your day at the White Dove, it is an adventure and well worth the time. Share the experience with a friend or family member.

The park is part of the NPS, and the NPS passes will work, to those without the NPS pass, you can purchase it there, and if not then the modest $3.00 2014 entry is well worth the price. You can purchase a guide booklet, or 'borrow' one for the few hours you will be there, just remember to return it. There is a small book and gift store when you enter the massive front door and ticket counter. Ask questions, the National Park people there are well informed and helpful. Rest rooms are to the right when exiting to the park grounds, and on many days you can join guided, but privately run, tours. Don't miss the graves and the history of the...

Now this is an historical site worthy of any curiosity seeker, history buff, especially of Arizona and Southwestern history. The Mission, in the region O'odham/Yaqui/Apache region is located on the outskirts of Tubac, AZ, near the Santa Cruz River, and within Tumacácori National Historical Park and makes for a terrific adventure into the scenic realms of Southwest Arizona seldom visited by many Arizonans let alone the rest of the U.S. Established in 1691 by Jesuit Father Kino. This Spanish Colonial structure is a site to behold within or without, it exhibits how local/regional Native Americans were ‘forced’ to transition to what is now the way of life. It is incredibly fascinating to see this solid white Mission structure from miles away as one travels the highway – shining like a solid white beacon. The National Park Service does an incredible job of protecting, enhancing and demonstrating Tumacácori’s history and progressive cultures where the incredible mixtures of Native American, Spanish and Southwestern have merged. The visitor center, the museum, and it’s incredible bookstore are chock full of information of this historical and cultural transformation within the Pimería Álta. They also offer some nominally priced incredible guided tours. Plan to spend a few hours in this fascinatingly beautiful Mission with its patios, gardens, yards, terraces, partially restored walls and outbuildings. It’s minutes from Tubac (“Tubac is a Destination you don’t want to miss" per Condé Nast Traveler) … the combo excursion makes for a great overnight stay as we periodically do – experiencing something new with every visit....

Tumacacori NHP's history goes back centuries. Founded by the Jesuit Priest Eusebio Kino on the Santa Cruz River in 1691, it was called Mission San Cayetano de Tumacacori. In 1751, the local O'odham were attacking Spanish settlements and Mission Tumacacori was abandoned. Mission San Jose de Tumacacori was re-established in 1753, across the river.

In 1768, King Charles III banished all Jesuits, replaced with the Franciscan order. Construction of its third church by the Franciscans began in 1800, delayed until 1821 due to lack of funds, Despite years of continuing construction, the church and its bell tower were never completed. It was abandoned in 1848.

President Theodore Roosevelt established Tumacacori NM in 1908. Now designated a National Historic Site, the ruins are protected by the NPS. The current site (boundaries) was established in 1933-34. The current visitor center was completed in 1937, its museum in 1939.

Just an hour south of Tucson, this is an easy park to spend an hour or an afternoon. Besides the church ruins, there are other historical structures with an orchard and cemetery. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a tortilla maker under the trees demonstrating their craft. There is a great museum and a visitor center with an educational bookstore. If you’re interested in southwestern history, Tumacacori is definitely...