Sam Hughes Neighborhood

Samuel C. Hughes was a Welsh immigrant who came to the United States in 1837 at the age of eight. Fearing imminent death from an advanced case of tuberculosis, he made his way to Tucson in 1858 by way of California, to convalesce in the dry air, convinced that his time was short. But, like many before and after him, the desert climate proved to be the cure he needed.

With his health restored, Hughes set about opening a butcher shop and settling down in Tucson. He married a local girl, Atanacia Santa Cruz, fathered 15 children and was a true community leader. He started the first bank, served in several city council roles and was instrumental in the establishment of a public education system, calling it “the pride of my life.”