Mission guide
Arizona Tucson Mission
The Arizona Tucson Mission serves in a desert city shaped by Indigenous, Spanish, Mexican, and American history.
- English
- Spanish
Arizona Tucson Mission shirts
Every style made for this mission, printed when you order.
Arizona Tucson Mission T-Shirt
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Arizona Tucson Mission Heart Map Shirt
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Arizona Tucson Mission Flag Map Shirt
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Choose size & color →I Glory in My Jesus, in the language of this mission
2 Nephi 33:6 as it reads in the Book of Mormon for each language spoken here.
Weak Things Become Strong, in the language of this mission
"I make weak things become strong" (Ether 12:27) as it reads in the Book of Mormon for each language spoken here.
About the mission
Missionaries speak English and Spanish. Spanish is also part of the region’s long history and culture.
At a glance
- Country
- United States, Arizona
- Main city
- Tucson, 542,629 people (2020)
- Time zone
- Mountain Standard Time (UTC-7)
- Climate
- Hot desert climate with mild winters, hot summers, and summer monsoon storms
- Languages
- English and Spanish
- Church in Arizona
- 442,094 members, 120 stakes, 892 congregations
A short history of the area
Tucson was founded as a Spanish military fort on August 20, 1775, when Hugo Oconór authorized construction of Presidio San Agustín del Tucsón. The settlement later became part of Mexico and was acquired by the United States through the Gadsden Purchase in 1854. Tucson was incorporated on February 7, 1877.
The Church here
- 1850sLatter-day Saints occasionally traveled from Utah to preach the restored gospel and explore possible settlements in Arizona.
- 1854Jacob Hamblin was called to lead missionary efforts to Indigenous peoples in the area and began making frequent trips to Arizona.
- 1876Latter-day Saint settlers began building forts and establishing communities along the Little Colorado River Valley.
- 1877Daniel Webster Jones and Henry Clay Rogers established Fort Utah in the Salt River Valley.
- 1877–1879Wagon companies from Utah and Idaho helped Fort Utah grow into a farming community.
- 1927The Mesa Arizona Temple, the first temple in Arizona, was dedicated on October 23.
- 1973Spencer W. Kimball, a native of Thatcher, Arizona, became the Church’s 12th President.
Temples nearby
Tucson Arizona Temple
Dedicated August 13, 2017 · Near Tucson
The Gila Valley Arizona Temple
Dedicated May 23, 2010 · About 80 miles from Tucson
Queen Creek Arizona Temple
Announced · About 80 miles from Tucson
Gilbert Arizona Temple
Dedicated March 2, 2014 · About 95 miles from Tucson
The Book of Mormon here
Missionaries in this mission share the Book of Mormon in these languages. Tap a cover to read it free.
Cover art is an illustration. Links open the free edition on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Before you go
Phrases to learn
- HolaHello
- Buenos díasGood morning
- ¿Cómo está?How are you?
- GraciasThank you
Foods to try
- Sonoran hot dog (a bacon-wrapped hot dog with beans, onions, tomatoes, and other toppings)
- Chimichanga (a fried filled tortilla with a strong, though contested, Tucson connection)
- Chinese chorizo (pork sausage seasoned with soy sauce, rice wine, and chili)
- Sonoran-style Mexican food (regional food influenced by Native American, Spanish, Mexican, Anglo-American, and Chinese traditions)
Fun facts
- Tucson became the first city in the United States designated a UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2015.
- Interstate 19 near Tucson uses kilometer posts instead of mileposts, unlike other Interstate Highways in the United States.
- The All Souls Procession began in 1990 with 35 participants, and by 2013 participation was estimated at 50,000.
Just got the call?
Turn the opening into a game: family and friends guess where the missionary is going before the reveal.