MISSION SAN XAVIER
This mission, just south of Tucson, is locally known as "The White Dove of the Desert." Built between 1783 and 1797, the original buildings have seen the flags of four nations flown over them.
The Mission Courtyard
Vivid baroque altars and original frescoes adorn the interior.
In 1797, the tower on the right was not completed because of lack of funds. Since this Mission is a National Historic Site, and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the right tower must remain incomplete.
ASARCO MINERAL DISCOVERY CENTER & TOUR
The Asarco Mission Mine, just south of Mission San Xavier, offers bus tours daily. This working copper mine, was not working the day we visited because of a union strike. The tours were still available though.
Cactus garden in the Discovery Center picnic area.
Our first stop was the Mission Mine Overlook. The Mission Mine is a quarter-mile deep, two miles long, and a mile-and-three-quarters wide. About six times the amount of earth moved to dig the Panama Canal has been mined here.
Slag Separator
These large drum tumblers crush large rocks down to powder.
This 240 ton capacity truck has been obsoleted by the new 320 ton truck.
OLD TUCSON STUDIOS
We spent the day at the Old Tucson Studios. This studio was built in 1939 to represent 1860's Tucson, for the movie Arizona staring William Holden.
Over 400 movies have been filmed in Old Tucson. Many western sets were built around the "town". Some notable ones include Death Wish, Outlaw Josey Wales, and some city scenes of Little House on the Prairie.
Church and Cemetery Set
We watched a stunt show at the Mission Set.
Many, many gun fights were filmed on this main street set.
An old train ride, carousel and antique car ride were included in our admission.
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