Revolutionary America Marker
Honoring the Tucson Presidio Donation
 

Marker:  
Revolutionary America Marker at the Tucson Presidio

Location: 
Presidio San Agustin Del Tucson Museum
196 N. Court Avenue
Tucson, Pima County, Arizona
32.224377, -110.975808

Historical Significance:
The Tucson Presidio was established in 1775 by Regular Spanish Army Lieutenant Colonel Hugo O’Conor as a fort on the frontier of New Spain. Following assaults by Apache Indians, high adobe walls were constructed around the post, enclosing approximately 11 acres. This area now comprises present-day downtown Tucson, roughly bounded by Church, Washington, and Congress Streets, extending to the banks of the Santa Cruz River. The Presidio remained in used as a protective fort until American forces entered Tucson in 1856. The last standing segment of the wall was torn down in 1918, but its location has been preserved and marked in Tucson’s sidewalks.

In 1780, the Spanish Government collected donations from its colonies to assist the Americans and the French in the American Revolution. Spanish soldiers stationed at the Tucson Presidio made a donativo, or donation, to the King of Spain, which helped support the revolutionary cause. The 459 silver pesos collected by Tucson soldiers firmly linked Arizona to the American Revolution.
 
Descendants of early Tucson residents and Presidio soldiers attended the dedication ceremony, celebrating the remarkable stories of their ancestors.
 
The marker is located outside the Presidio San Agustin del Tucson, on the southwest corner of Washington and Church streets. It reads: 
Revolutionary America 1775-1783
Tucson Presidio
Donated 459 Silver Pesos 
To Support the American Revolution. 
In Response to the King of Spain’s Request in 1780.
Arizona State Society NSDAR
William C Pomeroy Foundation 2014 14
 

Dedicated:           
October 25, 2025

Sponsor: 
Arizona State Society, NSDAR


A photo showing the four foot blue marker on a post in front of the Tucson Presidio's east wall.
The Revolutionary America Marker dedicated at the Tucson Presidio on October 25, 2025 by the
Arizona State Society, NSDAR and
William C Pomeroy Foundation 2024.
A photo showing eleven descendants of the Presidio soldiers attending the marker dedication.
Descendants of the Tucson Presidio soldiers attending the marker dedication.
ASDAR State Regent Sarah Ziker is pictured standing with 12 other ladies who assisted in organizing and attending the event.
ASDAR State Regent Sarah Ziker
with members of local chapters at the dedication.
A photo showing ASDAR State Regent Sarah Ziker at the podium speaking to the audience.
ASDAR State Regent Sarah Ziker
dedicating the marker.
A photo showing five men dressed as Revolutionary and Presidio soldiers while firing muskets.
Re-enactment of Revolutionary and
Presidio soldiers firing muskets.

  

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Unless otherwise noted, images are courtesy of Arizona State Society, DAR, Daughters.

 

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