This is Mission San Jose de Tumacacori, established on this site sometime after 1751 after nearby missions dating back to 1691 were destroyed and abandoned. This is one of the many missions established by Father Eusebio Francisco Kino, the explorer, cartographer, and Franciscan priest who is responsible for the chain of missions running from within Mexico to northern California. This mission was abandoned by 1848 and began its fall into disrepair until 1908 when the area was declared a National Monument by President Theodore Roosevelt. Restoration continues today although very slowly. In 1937 a museum was built at the National Monument which later became a National Park.The mission is located in Southern Arizona between Tucson and the border with Mexico. Photos don’t really do it justice. It is one of those places you need to see in person in order to enjoy its beauty.
Enjoy the rest of the Arizona bloggers photos of “Old Arizona” by using the links below:
Flagstaff Daily Photo
Chandler Daily Photo
Prescott Area Daily Photo
Tempe Daily Photo
Scottsdale Daily Photo
Chandler Daily Photo
Scottsdale Daily Photo
19 comments:
Great historical note, and fantastic angle.
I enjoyed this post and look at the mission. I remember, back in 1952, the last time I was in Tucson, that we drove to Mexico and along the way passed Mission San Xavier del Bac. It was back off the road a long ways but was white and shined like a star.
That is such a fascinating history, Sharon. Thank you for including the information. Kudos to President Roosevelt for initiating the restoration of these wonderful buildings.
Very beautiful. Love the pic and the info.
The composition is lovely! Glad the Mission building is beeing recovered, it looks fantastic and really deserves it.
good one - and great framing!
Abe, San Xavaier del Bac is still there just south of Tucson and still shines brightly. In fact it just went through a recent restoration process. It's called "the white dove of the desert".
I have always liked this mission. I love this choice for theme day!
Your post helps bring attention to what Stewart Udall described in his book, "The Inland Empire." Americans focus their history on the 13 colonies on the East Coast and overlook the Spanish settlement of New Mexico, Arizona, Texas and California.
The California missions are very famous and are big tourist and cultural attractions. Your photo helps show that there are missions worth seeing in Arizona, also.
Father Kino was to Arizona the equivalent of Father Junipero Serra in California, except the conditions to establish missions in Arizona were much harsher than along the California coast.
Beautiful shot of this old mission. It's been a long time since we have been down that way. Great pick for the theme.
Beautiful! Good choice for your them day!
Beautiful photo. Looks great the way you framed it with the arch.
I thought AZ only had one mission. Beautiful shot.
I've never visited this one, it looks so beautiful and peaceful - nice choice!
A bit of a history lesson is fun to learn together.
Great pic for theme day!! Love the composition of this one. Also the architecture beautiful. Nice take on our theme!!
Dustin
Flagstaff Daily Photo
Nice framing and composition.
Like an old western film!
Beautiful place.
I love the way you used the archway to frame the mission. I have been there several times, and it seems parts of it are always being refurbished. It really is quite breathtaking to behold in person though.
And thanks for the links to the other Arizona bloggers - I've got to check them out!
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