This is too late for St. Patrick's Day but on that day we should be reminded that Lt. Col.  Hugh O'Connor, founded Spanish colonial Tucson in 1771. He was in charge of the Tubac Presidio and was designated inspector of the military posts. The native Americans referred to him as El Capitan Colorado, the Red Captain, due to his flaming red hair. 1775 marks the official birth date of the City of Tucson because O'Connor established the walled Presidio San Agustin del Tucson bringing the Tubac Presidio here for better conditions of water, pasture and wood and well as a perfect position to close the Apache frontier.

(Credit to the Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau)