Tubac

Tubac is a small town in South Central Arizona. In the mid-20th century an art school was established here, and today it is known primarily as an artists' colony, drawing visitors to its many art galleries as well as to the nearby Spanish missions.

Understand
Tubac (from Spanish Tubaca, derived from the original O'odham name Cuwak – 'rotten') was established as a Spanish colonial garrison in 1752 to protect the nearby Jesuit missions of Tumacácori, Guevavi, and Calabazas from Native Americans in what was then New Spain. It is the first and oldest European settlement in what is now Arizona, and was the starting point for explorer Juan Bautista de Anza's search for an overland route to the Pacific coast, eventually leading to the founding of San Francisco.

In the 19th century Tubac became Mexican after the Mexican War of Independence, and then American following the Gadsden Purchase. During this time the town faced persistent Apache attacks and was twice abandoned, by both Mexicans and Americans; it remained a quasi-ghost town until the early 20th century.



By car
Tubac lies directly off of Interstate 19, about a third of the way between Nogales (Arizona), and Tucson.

Get around
There is no public transportation, but Tubac is very small and the core is easily traversed by foot. To go to Tumacácori National Historic Park, four miles south, a car is necessary.

Buy
Given Tubac's current incarnation as an artists' colony, unsurprisingly most shops and galleries cater to visitors looking to buy art and handmade crafts. The diverse offerings on hand range from outright kitsch to more tasteful items, and include garden furnishings, Mexican and Guatemalan imports, Native American jewelry, and paintings and sculpture. Most shops are clustered in the area bounded by Plaza Road, Tubac Road, and Burruel Street.



Sleep
Most people visit Tubac on a day trip from Tucson or Green Valley, but there are several accommodation options for visitors who want to stay longer.