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TravelGolf.com Staff Report Here are a few questions that people often ask about Tucson along with the answers:
Where did Tucson get its name?
The word “Tucson” is derived from the Tohono O’Odham Native American word Stjukshon (pronounced Chuk-son) for “spring at the foot of black mountain.” Spanish and European settlers changed the name to Tucson. The “black mountain” is just southwest of downtown. It is known as “A” Mountain, named for its white rock “A,” painted by University of Arizona students annually since 1915. The “spring” was The Santa Cruz River. What remains is a sand “wash” where water still flows beneath the sand and rocks of the riverbed.
When was Tucson first settled?
Tucson is one of the oldest continually inhabited settlements in the United
States. Evidence of a settlement with pit houses, storehouses and communal
structures dating back to the Cienega phase (800 B.C. to 150 A.D.) was
uncovered by archaeologists in 1997. After European settlers arrived,
Spain, Mexico, the U.S. Confederacy, the Union and the United States of
America have controlled the area. Present day Tucson was founded by an
Irishman named Hugh O’Connor, known by the Spanish-speaking natives as
Hugo O Conor, who served in the Spanish Army. In 1775, he established
the Presidio of San Augustin de Tucson in what is now in the heart of
downtown Tucson in the historic El Presidio neighborhood. Tucson joined
the United States with the Gadsden Purchase in June 1854.
How many people live in Tucson?
Tucson’s population in 1869 was 3,200. In 1920 the population had grown to 20,292. Today close to 800,000 people call the “Old Pueblo” home.
What is the weather like in Tucson?
Tucson has more sunshine than most cities in the world, over 300 days each year. Winter temperatures average highs of 70 degrees and summer temperatures average highs of 98 degrees. Low year-round humidity makes high temperatures comfortable.
 Where can I find out more about the history of Tucson?
The Arizona State Museum, located on the campus of the University of Arizona, is the Southwest’s oldest and largest anthropology museum. Some 20,000 Southwest Indian whole-vessel ceramics combine to form the focus of ASM’s Pottery Project. This collection – the largest and most comprehensive of its kind – is one of the nation’s most significant cultural resources. It was recently designated an Official Project of the Save America’s Treasures program, a public private partnership between the White House Millennium Council and the National Trust for Historic Preservation to celebrate and preserve our nation’s cultural legacy.
Why has Tucson been growing?
Lots of experts have great praise for the city and its attractions. Tucson was voted “friendliest city” and one of the “Top 10 U.S. Cities to Visit” by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine. Tucson was ranked by Bicycling magazine as one of the top three cities in North America for cycling. Tucson is consistently rated one of the best golfing destinations in the western United States. Tucson is one of best places to retire to according to CNNmoney.com.
For centuries the desert has been known as a healing place. Tucson’s desert is host to three “healing places,” each world famous in its own right – Canyon Ranch, Miraval Life in Balance Spa and Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa.
Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.
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