Nogales, AZ
Hotels/Motels
There are hotels and motels in Nogales with something for every taste and price range. For more information and a complete list. (Click here for: Hotel Rates, Availability Traveler Review and reservations online.)
Location / Description
Nogales is a popular port of entry on the international border between the US and Mexico. It is the county seat of Santa Cruz County. Both Nogales, Arizona and its sister city (Nogales, Sonora) are named for walnut trees (nogal in Spanish) that were at one time plentiful here. Today the area is known for unique shopping, historical, and cultural adventures. In fact, over 60 percent of Nogales' sales tax comes from Mexican shoppers crossing the border daily. Nogales and its sister city are home to one of the largest cooperative manufacturing clusters - maquiladora - which enable American manufacturing plants located on both sides of the border to take advantage of favorable wages and operating costs and excellent transportation and distribution networks.
Population / Elevation
Population: 21,765 (2006)
Elevation: 3865 feet above sea level
Area: 20.8 square miles
History
Nogales was established by Jacob and Isaac Isaacson who built a trading post at the border in 1880. Two years later, in 1882, brought the arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad and the first rail connection between the United States and Mexico. Nogales was also known as Isaacson for a short time. The U.S. Postal Service opened the Isaacson Post Office but renamed it to Nogales in 1883. Nogales was incorporated in 1893.
In 1917 Nogales was the site of the last engagement in the Indian Wars.
Nogales was the filming location for the movie version of the musical Oklahoma! in 1955. Nogales was chosen because it looked more like turn-of-the-century Oklahoma than anywhere in Oklahoma.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Shopping - on both sides of the border
- Horseback riding
- Offroad activities
- Sightseeing
Events
- May - Cinco de Mayo - annual festival celebrating Mexico's independence
Resources & Nearby Attractions
Resources
Cities & Towns
Parks & Monuments
- Tumacácori National Monument - visited by Father Kino in 1691.
- Tubac Presidio - established by the Spanish in 1752 on an Indian village site.
Recreation & Wilderness Areas
- The Patagonia - Sonoita Creek Sanctuary, 19 miles east of Nogales, sanctuary for diverse bird life.
- Parker Canyon
- Pena Blanca Lake
- Patagonia Lake State Park
Historic & Points of Interest
- Old Tubac Schoolhouse
- Old Nogales City Hall
- Santa Cruz County Courthouse
- Patagonia Railroad Depot
- Pimeria Alta Historical Society Museum
- Pete Kitchens Outpost
- Ghost towns and mining camps
Other DesertUSA Resources
Gem Trails Guides Books
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Desert Survival Primer
Desert Survival Kit
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- Get the Best Hotel and Motel Rates
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