You’ll find a region filled with enough information to delight all needs. The flags of Spain, Mexico, the Confederate States of America, the state of Arizona, and the United States of America have all flown over southern Arizona. There are places to learn about the victories and defeats of the Native American warriors, Spanish conquistadors, Mexican rebels, the US Cavalry, modern military aircraft, and even intercontinental ballistic missile facilities. West of Sierra Vista, the Coronado National Memorial commemorates the first major exploration of Francisco Vasquez de Coronado and the Spanish Conquistadors in the 1500’s into what is now the United States.

The Tubac Presidio State Park, south of Tucson, contains the ruins of the original 1751 Spanish Colonial fort, including portions of the foundations, walls, and plaza floor near the commandant’s quarters. Sierra Vista is the home to Fort Huachuca. Still an active US Army post, it was built in 1877 and served as the home for the 10th Cavalry, also known as the Buffalo Soldiers, 1913-31.

The Fort Huachuca Historical Museum and the Military Intelligence Museum have excellent exhibits chronicling the significance of the military in Southern Arizona. You might visit the Fort Bowie National Historic Site near Willcox. Established to protect strategic Apache Pass, it gave protection to settlers and travelers during the first half of the 19th century.