Large earth grading machines kicked up literal and figurative dust on Monday near the base of ‘A’ Mountain west of Downtown Tucson.
That is because the area is the place where historians and archaeologists believe ancient people first settled in the area that would become Tucson.
Roger Pfeuffer, Co-Chair of Friends of Tucson’s Birthplace, says workers graded the land where Spaniards built a mission in the 1700’s.
“What is damaging again is how the site is being treated. Frankly our desire is for that historical site that is being preserved by the resolution should be fenced off.”
The group, which works to preserve the area at the base of Sentinel Peak for historic, cultural, and educational purposes, says its contacted the city to make sure workers would avoid grading the mission site. KGUN-9’s calls and emails to city representatives asking for an explanation were not returned.
“Our concern is protecting the archaeology,” Pfeuffer said. “Not just the archaeological features which there are some still remaining but also the site itself. There is a difference between specific features and a spot where history took place.”
