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Tumacácori National Historical Park
Approximately 19 miles north of Nogales off I-19 exit 29, Tumacácori National Historical Park preserves the abandoned Mission San Jose de Tumacácori. Once a Pima Indian village, Tumacácori was visited by Jesuit Eusebio Francisco Kino in 1691. In 1767 the Jesuits were expelled from Tumacácori by the King of Spain and replaced by Franciscans. The Franciscans began building the present massive adobe church about 1800, but it was never completed. Apache raids, neglect and a terrible winter contributed to its abandonment in 1848, yet afterward people continued to visit the site.
Anglo-Americans first visited the site in 1849, but Apache raids forced the settlers to leave. The area became a national monument in 1908. The 1990 addition of two Spanish mission sites, Guevavi and Calabazas, increased the total acreage to 47. Guevavi and Calabazas can presently be visited by reservation only on Wednesday, September through April. A historic museum distinguished by architectural features of the Sonora missions unfolds local history and describes mission life.
A self-guiding tour includes the church and cemetery, mortuary chapel, portions of the convent area, a patio garden and a visitor center/museum. Picnic facilities are available. Allow 1 hour minimum. Daily 8-5; closed Thanksgiving and Dec. 25. Admission $3, under 16 free. Phone (520) 398-2341.
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