Lance Motta-Vilensky
Life after death is a basic tenet of Christianity: spending eternity in a place called paradise. Spanish colonists wanted to share their vision of paradise with the native peoples of New Spain. So it was that in the year 1691, Jesuits established a mission in the land of the O’odham (or Pima) near an ancient settlement called Tumacácori. Resting on 360 serene acres in the Santa Cruz River Valley of south central Arizona, near the town of Tubac, you’ll find Tumacácori National Historical Park. This national park includes the imposing big or “new” church [circa 1800] with its sundried brick adobe walls, white dome and unfinished bell tower and a series of lesser ruins dating back to the early 1700s. Including a courtyard garden and a fruit orchard, the grounds of Tumacácori extend to the gently flowing Santa Cruz River where you can lose yourself under a great green canopy of cottonwood and willow trees.
About 45 minutes south of Tucson, this divine site is only a 2.5 hour drive from PebbleCreek. You’ll learn the details of its fascinating history during your visit and you’ll be so awed by its breathtaking beauty that you might even think you’ve found paradise.