On August 20, 2025, the City of Tucson commemorates 250+ years of history. The date, which reflects when Hugo O’Conor platted the Tucson Presidio, isn’t the beginning of the story. There are thousands of important historical milestones that make Tucson, Tucson. Continuously inhabited for thousands of years, Tucson, a city on a river, nestled in the basin of four mountain ranges is a community with deep roots. This online photo exhibit is split into three sections: where we live, who we are, and what we do.
Where we live
“Where we live” explores the landscapes that make Tucson. From a dip in the life-giving Santa Cruz river, to a drive through bustling downtown, to a hike on Mt. Lemmon, the built and natural environment is more than just the backdrop of our lives, but rather is an active participant in the story.
Who we are
“Who we are” looks at the lives of the people who have shaped Tucson, from the famous, to the infamous, to the everyday. Try to see yourself and your neighbors in these images, and think about the multitudes of perspectives, opinions, and stories that come from just introducing yourself to someone new. Because Tucson is an important meeting place where lots of different people have come together, not all interactions between community members are always positive–what lessons are there to be learned?
What we do
Finally, “what we do” explores the lives that Tucsonans have led–our leisure activities, favorite restaurants, the places where we bring friends and family when they visit from out of town, and the major events that have shaped our community.
