Been To The Desert
by Jon Burch Photography
Title
Been To The Desert
Artist
Jon Burch Photography
Medium
Photograph - Digital Photography
Description
New travelers came to southern Arizona in the 1500’s. Spanish explorers sought riches and missionaries sought converts. Their mission and presidio in the native village called Stjukson eventually grew into modern Tucson. However, some native groups resisted the encroachment: Apache raids on local communities continued to the end of the 1800’s.
Southern Arizona became a United States territory in 1854, and the 1862 Homestead Act opened up land for those willing to settle in the area. The dry, rocky bajada of the Tucson Mountains wasn’t suited to farming, but prospectors worked silver and copper mines. Most were just exploratory holes in the ground, long since filled or fenced for safety.
Settlers also established cattle ranches on their land claims. By the early 1900’s most ranchers were consolidated into large holdings.
In 1933, with pressure from local conservationists, a 62,000 acre section of the Rincon Mountains became a national monument. From 1933 to 1942 the Civilian Conservation Corps constructed picnic areas, roads, and water control dams in the park. Many of these structures can be seen at the Tucson Mountain District which was added in 1961.
Saguaro became a national park in 1994. Today, east and west of Tucson the locals and visitors alike can experience the Sonoran Desert, getting to know its past and present and helping to protect its future.
Some digital effects were applied to the original image after the photograph was made. No electrons were harmed during the transition.
Image copyright 2022 Jon Burch Photography.
Uploaded
June 10th, 2022
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