What is a Presidio?

Step back in time and explore the fascinating history of Spanish colonial presidios- fortified settlements that played a crucial role in Spain's expansion into the Americas. These outposts were more than military garrisons; they served as centers of government, trade, and daily life on the northen frontier of New Spain.

This presentation will delve into the purpose, structure, and daily operations of a presidio, with a special focus on Tubac, Arizona's first European settlement. Learn about the soldiers, settlers, and Indigenous peoples who shaped presidio life, as well as the challenges they faced in a rugged and often contested landscape.