History of the Mexico/Arizona Region

The Sonoran Desert region that spans northwestern Mexico and southern Arizona was once known as Pimería Alta. In 1687, Father Eusebio Kino, a Jesuit missionary, traveled north into this unknown land and established a chain of missions. One hundred years after his death, most of his original mission churches had been replaced with grand adobe cathedrals.
Mission Churches of the Pimería Alta

The land that is now Arizona was once the northwestern frontier of Mexico. The United States took control of the territory after the Mexican War and the population quickly grew. However, nearly all of the new settlers were coming from the Mexican state of Sonora. Very little has ever been written about the Mexican families that came here throughout the 19th century and started towns, farms, and businesses.
Sonoran Pioneers in the Arizona Territory.

Today, most of the old barrios of Arizona have been torn down, but there are still a few visible reminders of our Mexican heritage.
Arizona Pioneers - Where are they now?