An overview of the archaeology, history, and ethnography of an 8-mile section of the Santa Cruz River valley near Tucson, Arizona, between the missions San Xavier and San Agustin.

An overview of the archaeology, history, and ethnography of an 8-mile section of the Santa Cruz River valley near Tucson, Arizona, between the missions San Xavier and San Agustin.

A guide to the iconography of San Xavier Mission identifies devotional representations and determines the organizational concepts underlying their placements in the Spanish mission church south of Tucson, Arizona, examining the sculpture on the facade and inside, along with furnishings such as altars and altarpieces and their accompanying imagery, and paintings in fresco and on canvas.

When Friar Diego Bringas penned his 1796–97 report on conditions in northwestern New Spain, he was imbued with an enthusiastic drive for reform. Hoping to gain the King of Spain’s support in improving the missionary program, Bringas set down a detailed history of all that had happened in the region since Father Kino’s day. His writings offer a valuable study of Spanish attempts to bring about cultural change among the Piman Indians. Daniel S. Matson and Bernard L. Fontana have translated the Bringas document and added an informative introduction, notes, and references. They analyze Spanish methods of indoctrination and examine the implications in terms of the modern world. Friar Bringas carefully explained various missionary and secular policies, laws, and regulations. He pointed out why, in his opinion, Spanish efforts to convert the Piman Indians had failed. He also provided a report of the orders establishing the ill-fated Yuma missions. His fascinating account of the Gila River Pimas is one of the most complete ethnographic descriptions from that era. Friar Bringas Reports to the King is an important study of Spain’s attempts to assimilate the Indians. It offers a deeper understanding of the history of the Pimería Alta.

The famous legend of the Iron Door Mine, a forgotten mission and a lost city somewhere in the Santa Catalina Mountains, north of Tucson, Arizona, has lured prospectors and treasure hunters for hundreds of years. The discoveries of early Spanish placer mining sites, stone ruins, and stories of the mountains only fueled speculation about the riches still left behind. Common knowledge among the locals eventually gained legendary status. Even more surprising was the abundance in gold, silver, and copper etched into the mountains. These stories became embedded in Arizona’s early history and were spun into some sensational legends and featured in numerous literary and film adventures. "Treasures of the Santa Catalina Mountains" explores the legends and history of the Catalinas, compiled from out-of-print books, magazines, newspapers and recollections from local prospectors. More than 430 pages and over 1,200 references.