In 1691, Father Kino, a Jesuit priest arrived here to convert the Native Americans to Christianity, people that had been living and thriving here for thousands of years. A mission was established that stood until 1767 when the Jesuits were expelled from Spain and all Spanish possessions. They were replaced by the Franciscans who built a bigger church, of which these ruins still stand.
According to records kept by mission priests, at least 680 people were buried here. After the last residents of Tumacacori left in 1848, evidence of mission-era graves was destroyed by later users of the land. Graves today date from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. The last burial was Juanita Alegria in 1916.
A 4.6 acre orchard and garden were maintained here between 1801 and 1828 but by 1836, most of it was cleared. In 2007, the orchard was somewhat restored by locating fruit trees that descended from Spanish Mission trees.
Inside the Visitor Center is a small museum depicting mission life, cultural clashes, and this cultural crossroads.
Outside, a woman was hand-making tortillas and serving them up. So good!
In 1821 Mexico (of which this was a part) gained its independence and expelled all Spanish-born people. That took care of the most of the priests. Native Americans continued to live here until a severe winter in 1848. They left and never returned. In 1854, Tumacacori became part of the United States and in 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt made this a National Monument. Some restoration took place and current maintenance now exists to preserve what is left.
It's a fascinating piece of living history, and if you visit be sure to say hello to Ranger Joe.
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