History of Santa Cruz County, Arizona
Introduction to Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz County, located in the southeastern part of Arizona, is rich in history and culture, shaped by its proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border and the presence of Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and American influences. Established in 1899, the county is Arizona’s smallest in terms of area but boasts significant historical sites, natural beauty, and a diverse cultural heritage. Agriculture, ranching, and trade have played pivotal roles in its economic development. Today, Santa Cruz County remains a gateway to the southwestern United States, blending Mexican and American cultures in its towns and cities.
County Facts
- Founded: March 15, 1899
- Population: Approximately 47,669 (2020 Census)
- Area: 1,238 square miles (3,206 km²)
- Area Code: 520
- ZIP Codes: 85621–85648
- County Seat: Nogales
- Major Cities: Nogales, Patagonia, Rio Rico, Tubac
- Famous Landmarks: Tumacácori National Historical Park, Patagonia Lake State Park, Santa Cruz River, Kino Springs, Coronado National Forest, Historic Nogales Border Wall
Early History of Santa Cruz County
Pre-Colonial Era (Pre-1500)
Before European exploration, the region that would later become Santa Cruz County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Hohokam and O’odham people. The Hohokam, who lived in the area from around 300 AD to 1450 AD, developed extensive irrigation systems to farm the arid lands along the Santa Cruz River. After their decline, the Akimel O’odham (Pima) and Tohono O’odham tribes continued to live in the area, practicing agriculture, hunting, and gathering.
The Santa Cruz River, which flows from Mexico into Arizona, was a vital resource for these early inhabitants, supporting agricultural activities and settlement along its banks.
Spanish Exploration and Missionary Influence (1600s-1700s)
The Spanish first arrived in what is now Santa Cruz County in the mid-1500s during Francisco Vásquez de Coronado’s expedition. The area was part of New Spain, and the Spanish were interested in exploring and converting Indigenous people to Christianity. In the late 1600s, Father Eusebio Francisco Kino, a Jesuit missionary, began establishing missions throughout the region to convert local tribes.
One of the earliest missions was Mission San José de Tumacácori, founded in 1691. Tumacácori, located just north of present-day Nogales, became a key site in the Spanish missionary effort and a center of cultural exchange between the Indigenous population and the Spanish settlers.
Mexican and Early American Periods (1821-1912)
Mexican Independence and Early Settlements (1821-1854)
When Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821, the region became part of the Mexican state of Sonora. During this period, Mexican settlers established ranches and small communities in the area. The fertile land along the Santa Cruz River made the region ideal for cattle ranching and agriculture, which became the backbone of the local economy.
The Gadsden Purchase and American Expansion (1854)
The conclusion of the Mexican-American War in 1848 and the subsequent signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo transferred much of the Southwest, including parts of Arizona, to the United States. However, it was the Gadsden Purchase of 1854 that added the region that would become Santa Cruz County to U.S. territory. The purchase was motivated by the U.S. desire to build a southern transcontinental railroad and improve trade routes with Mexico.
Following the Gadsden Purchase, American settlers began to move into the region, attracted by the promise of fertile land and business opportunities along the border. The establishment of ranches, small mining operations, and trading posts laid the foundation for further economic growth.
Establishment of Nogales and Tubac (Late 1800s)
Two of Santa Cruz County’s most historically significant towns, Nogales and Tubac, were founded in the mid-to-late 19th century. Tubac, originally established as a Spanish presidio in 1752, became an important center for ranching and military defense. With the arrival of American settlers, Tubac evolved into a hub for mining and agriculture.
Nogales, on the other hand, developed as a border town after the construction of the railroad in the 1880s. Nogales, which means “walnut trees” in Spanish, became a key point of entry for trade between the United States and Mexico. Its growth as a commercial center was spurred by the presence of customs offices and its location on the U.S.-Mexico border.
Establishment of Santa Cruz County (1899-1900s)
County Formation and Economic Development (1899)
Santa Cruz County was officially established on March 15, 1899, when it was carved out of Pima County. Nogales was chosen as the county seat due to its rapid growth and strategic location as a border town. At the time of its formation, the county was primarily rural, with its economy based on ranching, agriculture, and trade with Mexico.
The construction of the Southern Pacific Railroad through Nogales in the 1880s had a transformative effect on the county’s economy. The railroad connected Santa Cruz County to major markets in the United States and Mexico, allowing for the efficient transportation of goods such as cattle, agricultural products, and minerals.
The Mexican Revolution and Its Impact (1910-1920)
The Mexican Revolution, which began in 1910, had a significant impact on Santa Cruz County due to its proximity to the border. Nogales became a key point of entry for refugees fleeing the violence in Mexico, and the town saw an influx of Mexican immigrants during this period. The border also became a flashpoint for conflict, with armed skirmishes occasionally breaking out between U.S. and Mexican forces.
One of the most notable events was the Battle of Ambos Nogales in 1918, a cross-border confrontation that resulted in several casualties on both sides. This incident highlighted the tensions that existed along the border during the revolutionary period.
20th Century Growth and Border Economy (1920s-1960s)
Agriculture and Ranching Expansion (1920s-1940s)
Throughout the early 20th century, agriculture and ranching continued to be the dominant industries in Santa Cruz County. The fertile land along the Santa Cruz River supported the cultivation of cotton, vegetables, and fruits, while cattle ranching flourished in the county’s grasslands. The county’s agricultural products were exported to markets in both the United States and Mexico, further boosting the local economy.
World War II and Post-War Development (1940s-1960s)
During World War II, Santa Cruz County saw increased economic activity due to its strategic location along the U.S.-Mexico border. The presence of military installations, such as Camp Little in Nogales, contributed to the local economy. After the war, Nogales continued to grow as a commercial center, with trade between the U.S. and Mexico expanding rapidly.
The post-war era also saw significant improvements in infrastructure, including the construction of highways and public buildings. Tourism became an increasingly important part of the county’s economy, with visitors attracted to the region’s historical landmarks, natural beauty, and cultural offerings.
Modern Development and Economic Diversification (1970s-Present)
Growth of Border Trade and NAFTA (1990s)
The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), signed in 1994, had a profound impact on Santa Cruz County’s economy. Nogales, as one of the main ports of entry between the U.S. and Mexico, became a crucial hub for the transportation of goods, particularly produce. The county’s location made it a vital link in the supply chain for Mexican agricultural products entering the U.S. market.
The growth of cross-border trade created new jobs in logistics, customs, and transportation, boosting the local economy. The increased flow of goods also led to the expansion of commercial and industrial areas in Nogales and Rio Rico, further diversifying the county’s economic base.
Tourism and Preservation of Cultural Heritage (1980s-Present)
In recent decades, tourism has played an increasingly important role in Santa Cruz County. The county’s rich cultural heritage, historic sites, and natural attractions have drawn visitors from around the world. Key attractions include the Tumacácori National Historical Park, which preserves the ruins of the Spanish mission established by Father Kino, and Patagonia Lake State Park, a popular destination for outdoor recreation.
Efforts to preserve the county’s historic landmarks and promote cultural tourism have helped sustain local economies, particularly in smaller towns like Tubac and Patagonia. Tubac, in particular, has become a hub for artists and artisans, contributing to the region’s cultural vibrancy.
Key Landmarks and Attractions in Santa Cruz County
Tumacácori National Historical Park
The Tumacácori National Historical Park preserves the ruins of Mission San José de Tumacácori, one of the oldest Spanish missions in Arizona. Founded in 1691 by Father Kino, the mission is an important reminder of the region’s Spanish colonial history. Visitors can explore the restored mission grounds, learn about the area’s Native American and Spanish history, and enjoy the scenic surroundings.
Patagonia Lake State Park
Patagonia Lake State Park is one of Santa Cruz County’s most popular outdoor destinations. Located in the hills near Patagonia, the park features a large man-made lake where visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, camping, and hiking. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, as the region is home to a variety of bird species.
Coronado National Forest
The Coronado National Forest covers large portions of Santa Cruz County, offering outdoor enthusiasts a wide range of activities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The forest’s diverse landscapes, from desert valleys to mountain peaks, provide visitors with access to some of the most beautiful natural areas in Arizona.
Historic Nogales Border Wall
The Nogales Border Wall is a significant historical and cultural landmark in Santa Cruz County. Located along the U.S.-Mexico border, the wall marks the division between Nogales, Arizona, and Nogales, Sonora. While the border wall is often seen in a political context, it also serves as a symbol of the close ties and shared history between the two communities.
