History
The
actual meaning of the name “Tubac” has been elusive over the
years. Among the many translations have been “where the water comes
out” and “grey adobe house.” The Pima Indians, who were
the first known inhabitants of the region, might be the actual
phonetic source for the name. In the Pima language, “tu” means “black” and “ba’a” means “pool
of water.” In tribute, our championship golf course traverses the
mighty Santa Cruz River.
Spanish soldiers built a fort at Tubac, establishing it as the first European settlement in Arizona. Thirty-seven years later, a nobleman’s descendant, Don Toribio de Otero, received the first land grant in the Southwest from the King of Spain, to cultivate fruit tree orchards and feed the local garrison stationed at the nearby fort. Otero’s 400-acre ranch, located just north of the village of Tubac, became the nucleus of the family’s massive land holdings.
After the area became a United States Territory in 1853, and following the Civil War, the Otero family also began raising cattle, further expanding their empire. They finally sold the ranch in 1959 to a group of Tucson businessmen, headed by the late entertainer and avid golfer, Bing Crosby. The Tubac Golf Resort and Spa was born.
Tubac is not only a popular tourist destination, but is home to a vibrant art community. There are over 112 artisans who actively create and showcase their work in the many galleries and working studios that surround the old presidio, once home to the 18th century Spanish military garrison who first settled Tubac.