Rich in Culture Nature's Balance Unique Architecture				As one of the longest continually inhabited places in North America, the Tucson area is as historic as it is beautiful. The Hohokam Indians first settled here some 3,000 years ago. In 1692, Italian missionary Father Eusebio Francisco Kino made the first of many visits to the area. Tucson, as we know it today, was founded in 1775 by Irishman Hugh O'Connor, who was serving in the Spanish army. The history of the area is evident in Tucson's unique cultural stew of Native Americans, Spanish and Mexican influences. Passages of TucsonSM will embrace these influences to create a destination that reflects the region's culture, heritage and diversity.