Tanque Verde, Pima County, Arizona
A census-designated locale in suburban Arizona, Tanque is more popularly known as Tanque. A semi-industrial and agricultural town in Arizona, Tanque is noted for its vast ranches, plantations, and developing city. Members of the Tanque community are committed to the following principles: wilderness preservation, responsible growth, and low-density development. From this perspective, Tanque lives up to the Spanish origins of its name -- "Green Tank."
Tanque is located in the northeast side of Tucson in the county of Pima. Its northern borders are the mountains of Santa Catalina while its eastern regions meet the vast Rincon Mountains. Essentially a valley, Tanque's land area is surveyed at 85.1 square kilometers. Bordered by two mountain ranges, water sources in the valley are limited to inland creeks. Tanque has two seasonal creeks that traverses the town during spring: Agua Caliente and Tanque. These two creeks keep the wildlife and agricultural community of Tanque well-nourished and preserved.
As proof of its commitment to responsible family growth and sustainable development, Tanque posed a low population density of 190.2 individuals per square kilometers. The results of the last 2000 census projected that the valley will enjoy a steady and sustainable population increase in the succeeding years. Tanque's population is comprised of an interesting mix of white, Native American, black, Asian, and Hispanic races. The residents take responsibility for their population growth to protect their environment. Tanque residents acknowledge that their river and creek systems are endangered by the increasing water needs due to increasing population. Overall, Tanque and its residents form a dynamic partnership pushing for prosperous and healthy environment.
Tanque Verde History
The valley was primarily populated by Native Americans called Apache Indians in the early years of the 1800s. After several land disputes between the government and the Apache, soldiers from US Army-operated Fort Lowell began to frequent the valley of Tanque in the latter part of the 19th century. However, settlement and community building began only at the dawn of the 20th century.
The valley of Tanque started from a small village. Remotely located from the more developed Tucson, ranchers from the west settled in Tanque in the 1860s. They named the valley after a large water tank covered in green algae. This tank had served as a landmark for anyone passing the area since the latter years of the 19th century. Recognizing the increasing importance of education and strong political movement, the officials of the Tanque Valley formed the Tanque School District in 1886. The district served as a significant political body in the community throughout the following years. As of 2005, the three schools within the district registered almost 2,000 students. Proving its commitment to quality education, the district registers as one of Arizona's top school districts based on high standardized exam results.
Governed by land-use treaties and policies, the population of Tanque increased at relatively slower rate compared to the rest of Tucson. The treaties dictated population growth control to ensure area and land preservation. The valley of Tanque had been established as a suburban area of Tucson during the 1960s. Overtime, Tanque became a prosperous community. The presence of equestrian activities -- a highly expensive sport -- testifies to this affluence. The federal Census Bureau declared that Tanque poses the largest average household income not only in south Arizona but in the whole of the state.
Tanque Verde Attractions
Attractions in Tanque are classified in three: environmental, outdoor recreation, and of course, nightlife. With its commitment in preserving the environment, natural museums, botanical gardens, and zoos are popular attraction in Tanque. In fact, there are five major environmental attractions in the valley that are certainly worth several return visits. These are the Fort Lowell, Ohc Scout, and Franklin museums. These museums showcase the local flora and fauna, historical artifacts from Tanque, and artworks from known local and international artists. These museums have large parks and botanical greenhouses which are open for the public to enjoy. The Settler Gallery is a quaint museum with exhibits on printed artifacts and memorabilia. For an out-of-this-world museum tour, head to the National Solar Observatory. Located within driving distance from each other, these museums are great for a refreshing take on the conventional museums.
Tanque does not disappoint with its Golf N Stuff and Dorado Golf Course. There are also ranches open for horseback riding and equestrian training like the Tanque Ranch. For a suburban town, Tanque also has an interesting night and restaurant scene. These restaurants double as food havens and drinking hubs. Especially notable are the Casa Molina and Chicago Bar with their good food, music, and house drinks.
For an artsy night in town, there are regular performances at the Loft and Empress theaters. The Cornerstone and Century theaters also stage renditions of popular Broadway shows. Aside from theater performances, there is a number of art film and blockbuster cinemas around town.
Tanque Verde Economy
The valley of Tanque placed ninth among the cities of Arizona with an annual income amounting to $36,467. The bulk of this income came from agriculture, the valley's foremost industry. Cotton farming ranks high among traditional crops like corn and wheat. Although cotton plantations suffered losses during the Great Depression, it is still among the most income-producing ventures in Tanque. Livestock are also important products in Tanque. Farmers raise cattle to fuel several developing industries: food, dairy, and manufactured leather goods. Citrus farming is also a thriving industry in Tanque. Citrus farmers sell their produce in local markets and town fairs.
Ranches also contribute significantly to Tanque's economy. With the spacious lands, there are ranches that resorted to horse breeding and leasing horse properties. Seasonal equestrian activities also boost Tanque's economy.
Copper mining and other mineral ore mining activities are popular in Tanque. A lot of locals engage in small-scale mining activities. A new and developing industry in Tanque is real estate. In the past years, Tanque is also making a name for itself in the real estate brokerage industry.
Tourism also plays a part in Tanque's economy. With its comfortable climate, tourists flock to Tanque for historical tours and the "cowboy" lifestyle. Starting since the 1930s, Tanque has played host to tourist wanting an "Old World" and "Western" appeal. Indeed, Tanque has retained historical landmarks and buildings like saloons. The majority of the houses and official building in Tanque are also built with an old west design and architecture.
