TUMACACORI MISSION
INTERIOR OF THE CHURCH
BURIAL GROUNDS50 miles south of Tucson lies the adobe ruins of the Mission San Jose de Tumacacori. Establish by Padre Eusebio Francisco Kino in 1691, Mission Tumacacori is the oldest mission site in Arizona but construction on the present church didn’t begin until the early 1800’s. The Franciscan padres stationed there wished to turn Mission Tumacacori into a site with the same grace and beauty of Mission San Xavier del Bac but never succeeded. The Mexican government soon took control of the area and began to cut the funds needed to complete construction. In addition, frequent raids by the Apaches were making life difficult and in 1848 the community headed north to the San Xavier Mission. After years of neglect, Tumacacori was granted protection by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908 and declared a national monument.
The church is impressive, not in the sense of Mission San Xavier, but it has a unique beauty of its own. The crumbling adobe structure exudes a feeling of antiquity, taking visitors back to another time. Although the interior is a bit rundown, with noticeable chipping of the adobe walls, it’s easy to image ancient worshipers kneeling in prayer and the remnants of murals are visible above the alter.
And old cemetery is located nearby and the only identifiable markers belong to those who died in the late 19th and early 20th century. Very few records exist of those buried here during the early years of the mission’s existence. Smallpox, measles or Apaches claimed many victims reflecting the turbulent times of life at the mission.
Upon touring the mission you will also find a beautiful garden and courtyard, along with the adobe ruins of the priests quarters and remains of several other buildings scattered throughout the grounds.
The annual La Fiesta de Tumacacori is held the first weekend in December and celebrates the rich culture and history of the area. Over fifty booths for food and arts and crafts will surely have something for everyone. There is always live entertainment with local musicians and plenty of activities for the kids.
Directions: Take I-19 south to exit 29 and you’ll see the mission off to the east of the interstate.
The church is impressive, not in the sense of Mission San Xavier, but it has a unique beauty of its own. The crumbling adobe structure exudes a feeling of antiquity, taking visitors back to another time. Although the interior is a bit rundown, with noticeable chipping of the adobe walls, it’s easy to image ancient worshipers kneeling in prayer and the remnants of murals are visible above the alter.
And old cemetery is located nearby and the only identifiable markers belong to those who died in the late 19th and early 20th century. Very few records exist of those buried here during the early years of the mission’s existence. Smallpox, measles or Apaches claimed many victims reflecting the turbulent times of life at the mission.
Upon touring the mission you will also find a beautiful garden and courtyard, along with the adobe ruins of the priests quarters and remains of several other buildings scattered throughout the grounds.
The annual La Fiesta de Tumacacori is held the first weekend in December and celebrates the rich culture and history of the area. Over fifty booths for food and arts and crafts will surely have something for everyone. There is always live entertainment with local musicians and plenty of activities for the kids.
Directions: Take I-19 south to exit 29 and you’ll see the mission off to the east of the interstate.
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