Treasure Images of America: Saguaro National Park Fiction. Arizona was once just a passage for pioneers headed west for gold, religious freedom, and cheap land. Native Americans had lived in and explored the territory for years, but it was Manifest Destiny and the western expansionist philosophy of the burgeoning US government that created the impetus for better and faster routes across the vast territory with its topographical challenges. In the 1880s, the railroads first booted their way across the landscape, following historic trails before the highways were built. The Grand Canyon and Colorado River were obvious challenges, but there were also seasonal waterways that needed crossings. The history of the state unfolds with this book, profiling the bridges that define these historic transportation routes. Many of them have been proudly restored by their communities or the state, while others are gone or are in a sad state of decline.

Treasure Images of America: Saguaro National Park Fiction

Treasure Images of America: Early Tucson Fiction. The Organic Act of 1916 created the National Park Service to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and wildlife therein, and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations. Each national park or monument offers a glimpse into the natural beauty and history of the United States. These parks have a variety of natural resources covering large areas and are protected by the American Antiquities Act of 1906. Saguaro National Park is home to its namesake giant saguaro cacti, barrel cacti, cholla cacti, and prickly pears, as well as quail, spotted owls, javelinas, and a host of other flora and fauna. Saguaro National Monument was created by outgoing president Herbert Hoover in 1933. On October 14, 1994, Pres. William Jefferson Clinton signed legislation enlarging Saguaro’s boundaries and making Saguaro National Park America’s 52nd national park.

Treasure Images of America: Tohono Oodham and Pimeria Alta Fiction. Tucson is a history of time and a river. The roots of prehistoric habitation run deep along the Santa Cruz River, reaching back thousands of years. Later the river attracted 17th-century Spanish explorers, who brought military government, the church, and colonists to establish the northern outpost of their New World empire. Later still, American westward expansion drew new settlers to the place called Tucson. Today Tucson is a bustling multicultural community of more than one million residents. These images from the photographic archives of the Arizona Historical Society tell the stories of individuals and cultures that transformed a 19th-century frontier village into a 20th-century desert city.

Treasure Images of America: Arizona Rangers Fiction. The Tohono O’odham have lived in southern Arizona’s Sonoran Desert for millennia. Formerly known as the Papago, the people, acting as a nation in 1986, voted to change the colonial applied name, Papago, to their true name, Tohono O’odham, a name literally meaning desert people. Living within a region the Spanish termed Pimeria Alta, the Tohono O’odham, from the time of Spanish Jesuit Kino’s first missionary efforts in the late 1680s, have been witness to numerous governmental, philosophical, and religious intrusions. Yet throughout, they have adapted and survived. Today the Tohono O’odham Nation occupies the second largest land reserve in the United States, covering more than 2.8 million acres. The images in this volume date largely between 1870 and 1950, a period that documents great change in Tohono O’odham traditions, culture, and identity.

Treasure Images of America: Arizonas National Parks and Monuments Fiction. Established in 1901, the Arizona Rangers have protected and served the citizenry for over 107 years. Though the initial organization was short lived, lasting only until 1909, the company–with an authorized strength of just 26 men–became the scourge of outlaws within the Arizona Territory and along the Mexican border where, like today, criminal activity was prevalent. In 1957, the Arizona Rangers were reestablished, and for the 50 years since, these modern rangers have continued the tradition of service that was established by their territorial predecessors. Today’s Arizona Rangers are officially recognized by state legislation as a volunteer civilian law enforcement auxiliary. In keeping with their motto, Few But Proud Then and Now, they assist numerous law enforcement agencies and help keep the peace within their communities and state.

Treasure Images of America: Southeast Arizona Mining Towns Fiction. Arizona’s 20 national parks and monuments celebrate the natural wonders and rich heritage of Arizona, preserved through the efforts of countless citizens and the American Antiquities Act of 1906. Aggressively implemented by eight US presidents, this legislation permits the president to unilaterally proclaim sites as national monuments without congressional action. The Antiquities Act was applied in Arizona 23 times, more so than any other state in the union. Using more than 200 historical photographs, many of which have never been published, this book contains the stories of the creation of each of Arizona’s national parks and monuments, emphasizing the importance of the landscape and cultural heritage to Arizona’s identity.