Old Town Artisan is located in the El Presidio district of downtown Tucson. It is the first and oldest neighborhood in Tucson founded on August 20, 1775 by Colonel Hugo O’Coner, an Irishman who served for the Spanish Army.
The fort was called El Presidio San Augustin del Tucson and was created as part of Spain’s stake to claim of the northern territories for the New Spain. In its prime the presidio covered more than 11 acres and included a chapel, a cemetery, two plazas, stables, and housing quarters for officers, soldiers and settlers. The square block of Old Town Artisans was the stables.
The main purpose for the presidio was to keep the Apaches from invading the neighborhood and its soldier settlers. At first the fort was enclosed by a wood palisade, but an Apache assault proved that something stronger was needed. Instead, an adobe wall reaching 8-12 feet was built in its place. The north wall of Old Town Artisans was used as a fortifying wall to keep the Apaches out.
When the Americans entered Tucson in 1856, the presidio was quickly torn down. In its place adobe buildings were built and housed working class families. The Old Town Artisans block became on of those structures. In 1882 the Tucson directory listed some of the specific residents who lived in the apartments at the Old Town Artisans. They included assayers, clerks, and a ladies’ nurse. During this time period there was also a grocery store in the facility.
In 1888, distillery merchant Julius Goldbaum bought the location for his new distillery business and as a residence for his family. His business thrived in Tucson being the largest of its kind in the city. He worked in the distillery business until 1903 when he became part owner of the Tucson Grocery Company. By 1906, Goldbaum was trying his hand at real estate and bought up some of the larger buildings in downtown Tucson.
From there the history of the block Old Town Artisans is spotty. The business Old Town Artisans was established in November 1978 and since has had a slew of owners. The oldest shop in the building has been there is 1982. The others have changed hands many times in the last 30 years.
Since its conception Old Town Artisans has had its fair share of ghostly sightings.
Specter cowboys complete with hats and boots are often seen walking through the adobe structures and sometimes in the courtyard. Whenever they approached or questioned they seem to disappear into thin air just as quickly as they appeared.
In the later evening, when all the stores are closed, heavy footsteps are heard walking through the hallways. Most think that they sound like someone wearing boots pacing back and forth between the rooms.
Other times footsteps and voices are heard like a group of people are conversing amongst each other. Only when investigated for intruders there is no one in the buildings.
The sound of a door slamming shut can be heard when no one is in the building.
In the middle of the night, the alarms system has been known to go off only to find that the structure is secure and all entrances are locked.
A little girl in period clothing has been spotted playing in the courtyard.
A lady wrapped in a black shawl has been seen only in mirrors. She is said to appear to anyone who looks into the mirror only to disappear just as quickly.
A woman-in-white floats between the stores browsing at wares on the walls and in display cases. She is said to be short with blond, shoulder-length hair and wearing a period dress.
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