The Mexican War, the California gold rush of 1849 and the raiding Apaches depopulated the town throughout much of the 19th century. However, in 1859 Arizona's first newspaper was printed by a local mining company who revived the town. By 1860 Tubac was the largest town in Arizona, but the Civil War left the town unprotected, and it was deserted once again. Once the Apaches ceded control of the area in the late 1800s, Tubac began to grow, but it never regained its earlier importance.
Next to the old presidio, modern Tubac is a small community of writers and artists. Many of the shops and galleries in town sell the local art.
Visitor Centers
Tubac Chamber of Commerce 1 Burruel Rd. Tubac, AZ 85646. Phone:(520)398-2704