Birthplace of European history in Arizona, from the gold-seeking expeditions of Frey Marcos de Niza and Francisco Coronado in the 1540s.
Long-lasting Spanish missions began with Jesuit Father Eusebio Kino in 1692, reaching its pinnacle with the mission San Xavier del Bac in 1797.
Silver mining brought Euro-Americans to the area after the Gadsden Purchase in 1854. The region is also home to the legendary Tombstone, huge copper mines in Bisbee, and Clifton, huge cattle ranches, and many Mormon farm communities along the Gila River