Tucson is a very interesting city that's definitely worth exploring. From parks to museums to venues, there is something for everybody in Tucson. And historic sites are no exemption.
If you're a history enthusiast or if you'd just like to learn more about the history of Tucson, these historic sites are worth checking out - you might learn lots of new information as well as soak up the amazing atmosphere of old buildings.
Here are some historic sites to visit in Tucson, Arizona.
Sosa-Carillo-Fremont House Museum
The first place on the list s the Sosa-Carillo-Fremont House Museum, which is a historic adobe house built in the 1870s. The house is a great example of Territorial and Sonoran architecture. It's actually one of the oldest buildings in all of Tucson!
"Sosa was a descendant of Presidio pioneers when Tucson was colonized by the Spanish. The original Jose Maria Sosa died in 1800 after serving for 29 years as a presidio officer with his ancestors José María Sosa III building this household. Today, there are over 200 Sosa descendants who celebrate the lives of their great grandfather's legacy."
The museum itself shows the visitor what it looked like to live in 19th century Tucson by exhibiting items and more from that time of history. It also shows the history of some of the most important residents of the house.
The house was used by for example territorial governor John Charles Fremont, however, the whole name is based on the names of the families from the time the house was built. Apparently, residents of Tucson often refer to the Sosa-Carillo-Fremont House as simply "Carillo House".
If you're interested in seeing what life in 19th century Tucson looked like, don't hesitate to head to the Sosa-Carillo-Fremont House Museum.
St. Augustine Cathedral
In the second place, we have the St. Augustine Cathedral, which is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Diocese in Tucson.
According to the website of the cathedral:
"A small two-room house was the modest beginning of the Cathedral of Saint Augustine Cathedral in Tucson. The year, 1858. In that year the Bishop of the Diocese of Santa Fe, New Mexico, the Most Rev. John Lamy sent a priest of his diocese, the Rev. Joseph Machebeuf to survey the conditions of the Church in the newly acquired territory of Arizona. Father Machebeuf reported to his bishop that there were about 600 people in the town of Tucson, and advised the appointment of a pastor for the area."
This beautiful cathedral built in the Mexican Baroque style underwent a big restoration between 1966 and 1968. The Catholic Community that dwells in the cathedral aims to meet the needs of the Tucson community and Parishioners.
Tucson Arizona Temple
Last but not least, the Tucson Arizona Temple is located north of Tucson and it's a temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which is a faith shared by over 16 million people worldwide. According to the website of the temple, the basis of this faith is that "everyone on earth is a son or daughter of a loving God and that His Son, Jesus Christ, saved the world from sin and death."
The website also describes the mission of the Tucson Arizona Temple:
"The mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to help all of God’s children come to Jesus Christ through learning about His gospel, making and keeping promises with God (covenants), and practicing Christlike love and service."
The temple was built in the art deco style.
Final Thoughts
Temples, cathedrals, museums, houses - there are many ways to explore the history of Tucson. Pick whichever one you like the most and plan your own adventure!