Tucson, Arizona
Tucson (pronounced tusʊn) is a city located in
Pima County, Arizona. As of the
2000 census, the city had a total population of 486,699. But a
July 1,
2002 Census estimate put the fast-growing city's population at 503,151. It is the largest city in southern
Arizona, and the second largest in the state after
Phoenix. The city is the
county seat of
Pima County6.
The name Tucson comes from the
O'odham name for the area,
Chuk Shon, meaning "Spring at the base of the black mountain". The "black mountain" refers to the summit now known as Sentinel Peak, or "A Mountain", just to the west of Tucson's downtown area.
Two vessels of the
United States Navy have been named
USS Tucson in honor of the city.
History
\nTucson was originally inhabited around roughly 7000 BC by early Paleo-Indians, and later replaced by the groups designated as Hohokam. The Mission San Xavier del Bac was later founded in the area around 1700 by the Spanish missionary Father Eusebio Francisco Kino. It became Mexican after the independence of Mexico. It passed to US rule in the Gadsden purchase. From 1867 to 1877, Tucson was the capital of the Arizona Territory. The University of Arizona was founded in 1885.
Geography
\n
Tucson is located at 32°12'52" North, 110°55'5" West (32.214476, -110.918192)1.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 505.3 km² (195.1 mi²). 504.2 km² (194.7 mi²) of it is land and 1.1 km² (0.4 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.22% water.
Its elevation is 2,389 ft (728 m) above sea level.
Demographics
\nAs of the census2 of 2000, there are 486,699 people, 192,891 households, and 112,455 families residing in the city. The population density is 965.3/km² (2,500.1/mi²). There are 209,609 housing units at an average density of 415.7/km² (1,076.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 70.15% White, 4.33% Black or African American, 2.27% Native American, 2.46% Asian, 0.16% Pacific Islander, 16.85% from other races, and 3.79% from two or more races. 35.72% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 192,891 households out of which 29.0% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.7% are married couples living together, 13.8% have a female householder with no husband present, and 41.7% are non-families. 32.3% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.3% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.42 and the average family size is 3.12.
In the city the population is spread out with 24.6% under the age of 18, 13.8% from 18 to 24, 30.5% from 25 to 44, 19.2% from 45 to 64, and 11.9% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 32 years. For every 100 females there are 96.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 93.3 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $30,981, and the median income for a family is $37,344. Males have a median income of $28,548 versus $23,086 for females. The per capita income for the city is $16,322. 18.4% of the population and 13.7% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 23.6% are under the age of 18 and 11.0% are 65 or older.
Institutions
\nIt is home to the University of Arizona, a research institution that is a very important part of the life of\nthe city. The Davis-Monthan Air Force Base also is important to the local economy.
Attractions
\nTucson Annual Gem & Mineral Show
The Tucson show is held every year in February for two weeks (open + one week for professionals). It is the largest and most famous gem and mineral show on Earth, and one where the finest mineral specimens are displayed. There is no single location for display of minerals, but dozens: big hotels and most motels are occupied for that occasion, professionals even displaying their specimens in hotel bedrooms, lobbies, under tents, and on lawns all over town. It is estimated more than 35,000 people, from more than 20 countries attend the show, as experts and beginning collectors, museum employees, dealers, retailers, and researchers. Many museums and universities, such as the Smithsonian Institute and the Sorbonne, bring materials to display at the show.
See also: Tucson International Airport
\nFamous Current or Former Residents
\n*Paul McCartney - musician\n*Linda Ronstadt - musician\n*Lute Olsen - highly sucessful college basketball coach\n*Richard Carmona - current US surgeon general\n*Andrew Weil - doctor well known for promoting alternative medicine\n*Sean Elliot - professional basketball player
External links
\n* Tucson News\n* Attractions in Tucson\n* Article on Tucson\n* Tucson Weekly\n* Virtual Tucson Magazine\n* Tucson Peace Calendar
