We begin by strolling past a rebuilt section of a mud adobe wall, hearing of Tucson's founding as a walled Spanish Colonial Presidio, and learning the number of national flags that have flown over Tucson! From there, we walk Main Ave in the El Presidio Area, seeing the mansion homes of Tucson's Pioneer Founders, including several designed by Henry Trost.
Learn the fascinating tales of these individuals! We stroll past historic mud adobe Sonoran Row Houses, learning how they were constructed for our harsh desert climate and how they were built to protect the occupants.
Next, we will visit the Historic Pima County Courthouse, an ornate Spanish Colonial Revival-style building designed by Roy Place. We see the modernist Presidio Fountain by Charles Clement and then pop up to the Dillinger Courtroom, which appears today just as it did in the 1930s, as we hear the tales of John Dillinger in Tucson.
We walk to Plaza de la Mesilla to see the Mexican-styled gazebo bandstand and learn of famous Western outlaws who partied the night away in this plaza! We also discuss the first cathedral that sat adjacent and the sordid tales of what happened after it was decommissioned. Plus, we learn of the nearby Red Light District and how Tucson was the headquarters for the Alianza Hispano-Americana!
Next, we stroll past the historic Fox Theatre, the last remaining “southwest” art decor-designed theatre in the country! We discuss the marquee and decorative exterior features and hear tales of what went on inside during the several decades it was closed. Plus, we learn how it was nearly torn down before being lovingly restored to its original glory.
Finally, we walk to Jacome Plaza and discuss the historic Pioneer Hotel and city centre department store tycoons that gained national acclaim. We learn of their global significance and forward-thinking urban planning.
The tour concludes where we began, at the southeast corner of W Alameda Street and N Church Ave in City centre Tucson, across from the YMCA which is located at 60 W Alameda Street. It is 2 hours and 2 miles long. Please wear comfortable walking shoes, apply sun cream, and bring a bottle of water.
Please note that we stroll the charming pavements and plazas of Tucson, seeing the exteriors of mansion homes, historic buildings, and theatres. We enter the Historic Pima County Courthouse, seeing the interior of this beautiful structure. We are not able to enter many of the other buildings. Still, guests hear the stories of these structures and the individuals who inhabited them, plus see historic photos of the interiors and exteriors of the buildings.
