Tucson

Tucson, nicknamed the Old Pueblo, is Arizona's second-largest and oldest city blending Indian, Spanish, Mexican and Anglo heritages. With modern high-tech industries and world-class cultural events, it retains the charm of its frontier roots.

Located beside the Santa Cruz River, it has been home to Indian villages and farms for 2,000 years. In 1700, Father Kino established the first Spanish mission, San Xavier, at the Indian village of Bac, 10 miles south. Tucson was founded as a Spanish military garrison to protect settlers from Apache raids.

Governed by Mexico from 1821 until 1854, it became part of the United States with the Gadsden Purchase. It was once territorial capital of Arizona.