Charles Debrille Poston

Charles Poston liked the title he gave himself: Father of Arizona. He came to Tubac in 1854, just after the Gadsden Purchase drew the new border, and ran a silver-mining company out of the old presidio until the Civil War and Apache raids shut it down. His real gift was promotion. He lobbied Washington relentlessly and helped split Arizona off from New Mexico as its own territory in 1863, then took the post of its first federal superintendent of Indian affairs. A booster, a schemer, and, by his own decree, a founder.

What the plaque says

Poston, known as the father of Arizona, came to Tubac in 1854 after the Gadsden Purchase and established the headquarters of a mining company, with mines near Arivaca and in the Santa Rita Mountains. Mining activities were discontinued during the Civil War because of increased Apache Indian attacks. Poston was instrumental in promoting Arizona and helping it achieve territorial status separate from New Mexico in 1863.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Tumacácori National Historical Park — 2.7 mi
  Arizona's first mission, on O'odham ground along the Santa Cruz River.

More markers nearby

• Juan Bautista de Anza — steps away
• Baca Float Number 3 — steps away
• Tubac — 0.3 mi
• Mission San José de Tumacácori — 3.1 mi