In-person: Walking Tour: History and Architecture of Downtown Tucson

Only 15 places available. A fun and informative History & Architecture Tour! We begin by discussing Tucson's founding as a walled Spanish Colonial Presidio and learn how many national flags have flown over our city! Then we stroll past the mansion homes of our Pioneer Founders on Main Avenue in the El Presidio, also known as Snob Hollow! We will walk past three stunning mansions designed by the famed Henry Trost and chat about the fascinating tales of the individuals who lived in these homes! We also learn of the Calle Royal, the Royal Road of New Spain which passed through the El Presidio neighborhood! Plus, we see examples of Sonoran Row Houses and will chat about how they were built for our harsh summer climate!

Then we visit the Historic Pima County Courthouse designed by Roy Place in a stunning Spanish Colonial Revival Style, and pop upstairs to courtroom one to hear the tales of how John Dillinger and his Gang were captured in Tucson! We will see two examples of modernist sculpted art by Charles Clement then pop over to the Plaza de la Mesilla to learn of our cities first cathedral and the sordid tales of what happened to it and the fascinating stories of the businesses (some legal, some not) that once lined this plaza! PLUS the story of a famous outlaw that once hung out in this plaza!

We will conclude by walking past and discussing the history of the Fox Theatre, a discussion of our first two downtown skyscrapers and guests will learn of a luxury hotel, and a cluster of downtown department stores that gained national acclaim with an international clientele!

Join us afterwards for an optional pay-your-own-way social get-together at Riley's Craft Pizza.

Our Tour Guide: Scott Darlage

Scott, the owner of Strolls and Stories Tours, is an avid traveler with a passion for uncovering the stories that make a destination unique and the history and culture that bring a destination alive! Scott currently lives in Tucson for the second time in his life and loves exploring the wild Sonoran Desert and the urban historic areas of the city.

He is known to be an enthusiastic story teller with a knack for uncovering interesting tidbits that bring the surrounding setting alive with a unique and insightful perspective!

Additional Details:

Meet at 2:20 PM.

Event runs 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM.

4:30 PM + optional get together at Riley's Pizza.

Additional logistics details will be provided in your registration confirmation