Mission San José de Tumacácori Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Mission San José de Tumacácori
The chapel of Mission San José de Tumacácori
Location	near Nogales, Arizona
Name as founded	La Misión San José de Tumacácori
English translation	The Mission of Saint Joseph of the Rocky Flat Place
Patron	Saint Joseph
Founding date	January 1691; 334 years ago (1691-01)
Founding priest(s)	Father Eusebio Francisco Kino
Native tribe(s) Spanish name(s)	Pima
Governing body	National Park Service
Current use	Historic Monument

Mission San José de Tumacácori is an old Spanish mission. It is a special historic place in Arizona. The name Tumacácori comes from the O'odham language, meaning 'rocky flat place'. This mission was kept safe and restored by a group called the Franciscans in 1828. Today, it is part of a national park where people can visit and learn about its past.

History of the Mission
Historic Mission San José de Tumacácori Gallery
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History of the Mission

The Mission's Start

The story of Tumacácori began in 1691. A group of priests called the Jesuits first built a mission. It was named Mission San Cayetano del Tumacácori. It was near a village of the Sobaipuri people. This first mission was on the east side of the Santa Cruz River. People held church services in a small building made of adobe. Adobe is a type of brick made from earth and straw.

Moving and Rebuilding

In 1751, there was a conflict called the O'odham rebellion. Because of this, the mission was left empty for a while. But in 1752, the village was started again. In 1753, construction began on a new church for Mission San José de Tumacácori. This new church was built at its current spot, on the west side of the Santa Cruz River. The first part of this church was ready for use by 1757. The building style of the church is called Spanish Colonial. This means it looks like buildings from the time when Spain ruled parts of America.

Jesuits Leave New Spain

In the Spanish kingdom, there were rumors that the Jesuit priests were becoming very rich and powerful. Because of this, on February 3, 1768, King Carlos III gave an order. He commanded that the Jesuits be forced to leave the Viceroyalty of New Spain. This was the name for colonial Mexico at the time. The Jesuits had to return to Spain.

Tumacácori Today

Today, the mission is part of Tumacácori National Historical Park. This park has three different sections. The mission site is a large area, covering about 360 acres (1.5 square kilometers). It is open to the public every day. Visitors can explore the old church and learn about the history of the people who lived there.