Strange Tucson III
Tucson, Arizona is a city renowned for its beautiful natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and iconic landmarks like Saguaro National Park. However, there are also some strange and unusual sights to be discovered throughout the city that you may not have heard of. Join us as we take a tour of six of the most unusual sights in Tucson.
Our first stop is Viente De Agosto Park, where you'll find a 14-foot-tall, 7-ton statue of Pancho Villa. Created by Spanish-born artists Julian Martinez and Javier Portilla, the statue was given to the state of Arizona in 1981. It survived two lawsuits that attempted to prevent its erection and was eventually moved to Tucson after a town near Phoenix rejected it. The statue now stands as a symbol of the city's unique history and cultural diversity.
Next, we visit Tucson’s Armory Park to see a green and white metal building that was once the first prefabricated gas station. Built in the 1920s, the station hasn't serviced a vehicle since the late 1930s due to its location along an unpaved street and the effects of the Great Depression.
At the northwest end of Silver Lake Park, we come across the "Splash" and "Pipe with Flow" sculptures. These controversial concrete pieces were initially rejected from another neighborhood due to their perceived ugliness. But in 2004, they found a new home in this park, where they continue to spark discussion and debate among locals and visitors alike.
Near East Grant and Country Club, we find a female sculpture. Constructed over 30 years ago out of rebar for the former Tia Elena restaurant, this copper-colored sculpture once served as a chimney for the restaurant. Today, it stands smokeless at the site of a new business, serving as a reminder of Tucson's vibrant artistic community.
Lastly, in the south of Tucson, we discover the Desert Lighthouse. Built in 1990, this 15-foot-tall structure stands as a beacon of light in the desert, despite not having a single ship in sight. The lights are powered by solar panels and can be seen for miles around. The lighthouse also shares the space with a house of worship that has been home to at least two congregations, including a Tibetan temple.
Tucson is a city full of surprises and hidden gems, and these five unusual sights are just a few examples. From artistic sculptures to historical landmarks, there is always something new and exciting to discover in this vibrant city.
Watch our video, STRANGE TUCSON III, and see these amazing attractions for yourself!
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