LAND USE HISTORY OF Tucson, AZ

Tucson, Arizona, rich in cultural history and unique ecosystems, has evolved significantly over the centuries. The Tucson area was inhabited by Indigenous peoples, the Tohono O'odham, long before European contact. Their deep connection with the land influenced Tucson's development. They practiced sustainable agriculture, cultivating crops like corn, beans, and squash. Their unique system of water management, using floodplain farming to take advantage of monsoon rains, preserved the soil and sustained these agricultural practices for centuries.

The advent of Spanish colonists in the late 17th century resulted in major alteration. The founding of Mission San Xavier del Bac signaled the beginning of European influence in the region. Tucson was then incorporated into Spanish, Mexican, and finally United States territories. With each change in governance came new land use patterns and urban development.

Tucson became a part of the United States with the Gadsden Purchase in 1854. Tucson was transformed from a modest Mexican frontier hamlet to an American boomtown in the late nineteenth century, thanks to the introduction of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1880. The railroad brought with it an inflow of residents as well as economic prospects, resulting in rapid urbanization. During this time, ranching and mining became prominent enterprises, transforming the land and affecting local ecosystems.

In the 20th century, the city grew and densified, putting strain on local water resources. The city's industrial mix has varied due to the city's shift toward a service-based economy, with a concentration on education, healthcare, and technology.

These developments have had an impact on the environment. Groundwater overuse has resulted in substantial land subsidence. Rapid urbanization and expanding expansion patterns have led to habitat degradation, negatively hurting local biodiversity. Air quality issues, caused in part by automotive use, are a continuing source of worry.

1. https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/american_latino_heritage/san_xavier_del_bac_mission.html 
2. https://www.britannica.com/event/Gadsden-Purchase
3. https://www.nps.gov/subjects/travelspanishmissions/san-xavier-del-bac-mission.htm