Tucson

Tucson is the second-largest populated city in Arizona, United States, and the county seat of Pima County. It is located in the Sonoran Desert and is surrounded by various mountain ranges, including the Santa Catalinas.

History

Tucson has a rich history dating back to the ancient times. The area was originally inhabited by the Hohokam people, who lived there for about 4,000 years before their mysterious disappearance in the 15th century. The area was later settled by the Spanish in the late 17th century, and Tucson became part of Mexico after Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821. It was later incorporated into the United States as part of the Gadsden Purchase in 1854.

Geography

Tucson is located in the middle of the Sonoran Desert and is surrounded by five minor ranges of mountains: the Santa Catalina Mountains and the Tortolita Mountains to the north, the Santa Rita Mountains to the south, the Rincon Mountains to the east, and the Tucson Mountains to the west. The high point of the Santa Catalina Mountains is Mount Lemmon, which reaches an elevation of 9,157 feet above sea level and is the highest point in the Tucson area.

Climate

Tucson has a desert climate, with two major seasons, summer and winter; plus three minor seasons: fall, spring and the monsoon season. The city experiences hot summers and temperate winters, with average high temperatures ranging from about 100 °F (38 °C) in the summer to 68 °F (20 °C) in the winter.

Economy

Tucson's economy is centered around education, healthcare, and military sectors. The city is home to the University of Arizona, which is one of the largest employers in the city. Other major employers include Raytheon Missile Systems, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, and Banner University Medical Center.

Culture

Tucson is known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous art galleries, museums, and performing arts venues. The city is also home to a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, the Tucson Festival of Books, and the Tucson Folk Festival.

Education

Tucson is served by many public school districts, as well as private schools and charter schools. The city is also home to the University of Arizona, a public research university that offers a wide range of academic programs.

Transportation

Tucson is served by Interstate 10, Interstate 19, and Tucson International Airport. The city also has a public transportation system, which includes buses and a modern streetcar system.

See also

• List of cities and towns in Arizona
• Pima County, Arizona

Also see

► Healthcare providers in Arizona

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