Tubac, Arizona’s Foundational Document

The following decree by the governor of Sonora in 1752 enabled the establishment of the first Spanish settlement in what is now the state of Arizona, San Ignacio de Tubac.

Urrutia’s original 1767 Tubac Map in the British Library.

“Decree of Governor Diego Ortiz Parrilla

The Royal Presidio of San Miguel de Horcasitas

June 2, 1752

I declare that for the present, Captain Don Juan Tomas de Beldarrain and the new company of fifty soldiers be stationed at Tubac. Their conduct should be guided by the orders, instructions, and regulations that most suitably and adequately serve the objectives of their establishment and assignment. 

Governor with a Spanish Soldado de Cuera. Drawing of Ignacio Tirsch.

Thus, concerning that northern area, they will be able to perform the duties that have been extensively discussed and proposed in the judgments and opinions outlined above.

 

Tubac is considered an advantageous location because it has the necessary qualities to maintain the troops and afford them a place from which to carry out the obligations of their assignments.

Moreover, it is near the settlements of the San Luis Valley. Although their numbers are few, there are still enough settlers to assist the troops. Conversely, the troops can come to the settlers' aid in case of emergency or need…

So I have decreed, ordered, and signed in the presence of my witnesses.

Diego Ortiz Parrilla”

From Archivo General de las Indias, Guadalajara 4r9, ff. 22-25, 85-89, 101-2, 102-3, rn3, and 104-12.

Source:

The Presidio and Militia on the Northern Frontier of New Spain: pt. 1. The Californias and Sinaloa-Sonora, 1700-1765. United States: University of Arizona Press, 1986.

Dive into history with us in place on the Tubac Heritage Tour here.