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40-618: From its origin in the Canelo Hills of Santa Cruz County at 31°35′24″N 110°38′44″W  /  31.59000°N 110.64556°W  / 31.59000; -110.64556 , Ciénega Creek flows northwesterly through the upper Ciénega basin, a wide alluvial valley separating the northern Santa Rita and Empire Mountains to the west and the Whetstone Mountains to the east. A bedrock high, called "the Narrows," serves as

80-841: A few historic sites located in the preserve, including the ghost town of Pantano and the Ciénega Bridge , which was built between 1920 and 1921. In Tucson, much of the Pantano Wash is now part of the Pantano River Park, which includes a paved walkway alongside the wash, as well as restrooms, water fountains, and picnic tables. The Pantano River Park is also home to a Commemorative Tree Park, which will help restore about two miles of riverbank, control floods, erosion and stormwater runoff reduction, carbon sequestration , urban heat, and provide shade. Since 2012, over 100 desert-adapted commemorative trees have been planted along

120-452: A household in the county was $ 29,710, and the median income for a family was $ 32,057. Males had a median income of $ 27,972 versus $ 21,107 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 13,278. About 21.40% of families and 24.50% of the population were below the poverty line , including 29.% of those under age 18 and 23.2% of those age 65 or over. School districts include: K-12: Secondary: Elementary: The population ranking of

160-445: A hydrologic barrier dividing the upper and lower basins, and is characterized by riparian vegetation and perennial flow. Ciénega Creek continues northward through the lower alluvial basin until it bends west/northwest in the vicinity of Anderson and Wakefield Canyons. After crossing Interstate 10 near the town of Vail , Ciénega Creek again crosses a bedrock high, and once more the flow becomes perennial. In these stretches, groundwater

200-585: Is also open to the public, and has been listed on the National Historic Register since 1976. The Ciénega Creek Natural Preserve was founded in 1986 and is about 20 miles (32 km) north of Empire Ranch, in the lower Ciénega basin. With 4,000 acres (1,600 ha) in total, the Ciénega Creek Natural Preserve protects over 12 miles (19 km) of the creek, about half of which has perennial flow. There are also

240-670: Is an open-spandrel arch bridge which crosses Ciénega Creek and the Union Pacific Railroad near Vail , Arizona . Originally constructed in 1921, the bridge was part of U.S. Route 80 , a major transcontinental highway, from 1926 to 1956. Being the oldest bridge of its kind in Arizona, the Ciénega Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places . The bridge also holds the title of being

280-657: Is forced upward through faults in the bedrock from aquifers near the surface. Just north of Vail, Ciénega Creek becomes known as Pantano Wash, which continues northwest through Tucson and links up with the Rillito River. Ciénega Creek is located within the transitional zone between the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts , and exhibits some features of each region. The creek supports "outstanding examples" of cottonwood - willow gallery forest and mesquite bosque , which are home to many bird species that have become rare due to

320-467: Is now Santa Cruz, Mexico. Kino's San Cayetano and San Gabriel missions were destroyed in the O'odham peoples' 1751 Pima Revolt and rebuilt as Missions Los Santos Ángeles de Guevavi (1751), San José de Tumacácori (1753), and San Cayetano de Calabazas (1756). The ruins of all three of these later missions are now protected by Tumacácori National Historical Park . Disease, warfare, overwork, and changes in land ownership during Spanish colonization led to

360-613: The Dennis DeConcini Port of Entry (for vehicular and pedestrian traffic); the Nogales-Mariposa Port of Entry (in the western part of the city, for vehicular and pedestrian traffic); and the Morley Gate Port of Entry (for pedestrians only). Lochiel , a former mining and ranching border town, formerly had a border crossing, but the U.S. government shut the port of entry down in 1983. As of

400-530: The Southern Pacific Railroad (now part of the Union Pacific Railroad ). State engineers decided to design an open-spandrel concrete arch bridge to cross the canyon. The arch would measure 146 feet (45 m) in length and would be a combination of two tapered ribs connecting the foundation arch to the bridge deck , supplemented by multiple concrete columns, supporting the deck. Paneled bulkheads and concrete guard rails would be placed on

440-506: The census of 2000, there were 38,381 people, 11,809 households, and 9,506 families living in the county. The population density was 31 people per square mile (12 people/km ). There were 13,036 housing units at an average density of 10 units per square mile (3.9 units/km ). The racial makeup of the county was 76.0% White , 0.4% Black or African American , 0.7% Native American , 0.5% Asian , 0.1% Pacific Islander , 19.7% from other races , and 2.6% from two or more races. 80.8% of

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480-529: The census of 2010, there were 47,420 people, 15,437 households, and 11,992 families living in the county. The population density was 38.3 inhabitants per square mile (14.8 inhabitants/km ). There were 18,010 housing units at an average density of 14.6 units per square mile (5.6 units/km ). The racial makeup of the county was 73.5% white, 0.7% American Indian, 0.5% Asian, 0.4% black or African American, 22.9% from other races, and 2.0% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 82.8% of

520-477: The Borderland Highway construction project. Construction of Ciénega Bridge started in 1920. Over 900 cubic yards (688 m ) of rock had to be blasted to make way for the bridge foundations. The total amount of concrete poured measured 934 cubic yards (714 m ) while the amount of reinforcing steel used weighed over 87,900 pounds (39,871 kg). Erecting of the false work was a risky endeavor, as

560-402: The Ciénega Bridge became the longest open–spandrel arch bridge within the state of Arizona, the arch measuring 146 feet (45 m) in length. The arch consisted of twin tapered ribs, both of which were anchored into the concrete foundations of the structure. The Ciénega Bridge continues to remain Arizona's longest open–spandrel arch bridge as of June 2022. Starting in 1926, the Borderland Highway

600-543: The United States, retains a strong population in Ciénega Creek. The federally endangered Chiricahua leopard frog occurs only in the upper reaches of the creek. The lowland leopard frog and the Sonoran mud turtle inhabit the stream throughout, rounding a full complement of aquatic, native vertebrate species originally inhabiting the ciénegas of southern Arizona. An unstudied molluscan fauna also lives in

640-492: The bridge was chosen due to it being the most feasible area to the place the bridge as well as the high solid rocky banks providing added support. Upon finalizing the bridge design, the Highway Department awarded construction of the bridge to a Tucson based firm called English and Pierce. Construction materials would be provided by the Highway Department. The new bridge was internally referred to as "Section F" of

680-524: The contractors had to deal with the possibility of high water levels generated by the creek. Due to a dispute with the contractor, construction of the bridge was taken over completed by the Highway Department. The Highway Department claimed English and Pierce exceeded the original contracted price necessitating state takeover. Construction of the bridge was completed in March 1921 at a total cost of $ 40,000 (the equivalent of $ 460,961 in 2023). Upon completion,

720-590: The county, crosses south into Mexico near the community of Santa Cruz, Sonora , and then bends northwards returning into the United States (and Santa Cruz County) east of Nogales. Father Eusebio Kino , an Italian explorer and missionary in the service of the Spanish Empire , named the Santa Cruz River–" holy cross " in Spanish–in the 1690s. In addition, Kino founded several missions to evangelize

760-424: The creek bed below. Construction started in 1952 on a bypass route which included a new railroad underpass and two wash bridges. The new straighter alignment opened on April 9, 1955, moving US 80 designation off Ciénega Bridge onto a newer bridge downstream. The new Ciénega Bridge was only 10 feet (3.0 m) above the creek as opposed to the original bridge and had a straighter more even graded approach. Upon

800-544: The demographic decline of the O'odham peoples of Santa Cruz County. According to the United States Census Bureau , the county has a total area of 1,238 square miles (3,210 km ), of which 1,237 square miles (3,200 km ) is land and 1.2 square miles (3.1 km ) (0.1%) is water. It is the smallest county by area in Arizona. There are three crossings of the U.S.-Mexico border in Nogales:

840-495: The different O'odham peoples living along the banks of the Santa Cruz River, including Missions San Cayetano del Tumacácori (1691) and San Gabriel de Guevavi (1691), as well as Los Reyes de Sonoita (1692) near Sonoita Creek . Along the river, but outside the boundaries of Santa Cruz County, Kino also founded Mission San Xavier del Bac (1692) near Tucson, Arizona, and Mission Santa Maria del Pilar (1693) in what

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880-704: The east, and the Mexican state of Sonora to the south. Santa Cruz County includes the Nogales, Arizona Micropolitan Statistical Area , which is also included in the Tucson -Nogales, Arizona Combined Statistical Area . Santa Cruz County, formed on March 15, 1899, out of what was then Pima County , is named after the Santa Cruz River . The river originates in the Canelo Hills in the eastern portion of

920-424: The eastern banks of Pantano Wash. Hundreds more will be added over the following years, until the goal of 570 trees is reached. Santa Cruz County, Arizona Santa Cruz is a county in southern Arizona , United States. As of the 2020 census , the population is 47,669. The county seat is Nogales . The county was established in 1899. It borders Pima County to the north and west, Cochise County to

960-407: The eastern bridge approach design. The eastern approach to the bridge consisted of an eight degree downhill curve just before the foot of the concrete structure. The bridge itself crossed a 100-foot (30 m) chasm above the creek. Motorists were unable to negotiate the dangerous curve, which had resulted in vehicles missing the bridge, driving off the chasm ledge next to the bridge, and landing on to

1000-482: The following table is based on the 2010 census of Santa Cruz County. † county seat Owing to its border location and Hispanic majority population, Santa Cruz is a strongly Democratic county. The last Republican to win the county was George H. W. Bush in 1988, and although the Republicans won the county in six consecutive elections from 1968 to 1988, three of these wins were by very narrow margins. Following

1040-610: The longest open-spandrel concrete arch bridge within the state. Currently, the bridge carries Marsh Station Road, which is part of Historic U.S. Route 80 as of 2018. In 1920, the Arizona Highway Department began construction on a section of the Borderland Highway in southeastern Arizona. The Borderland Highway was part of the larger Dixie Overland Highway , Bankhead Highway and Old Spanish Trail auto trails , which were important early transcontinental highways. The Highway Department received financial aid for

1080-615: The loss of riparian habitats. Some of the birds that live along the creek are the Southwestern willow flycatcher , Yellow-billed cuckoo , and Bell's vireo . Important lowland populations of riparian and xeroriparian amphibians and reptiles are also known to live along the creek. Included in this group are several toads , the checkered garter snake , the Madrean alligator lizard , and the giant spotted whiptail lizard . The Mexican garter snake, which has declined throughout its range in

1120-613: The most Democratic-leaning county in Arizona. Elizabeth Gutfahr, former elected county treasurer who confessed to embezzling more than $ 38 million between 2012 and 2024. Because it is the state's smallest county, Santa Cruz County's economic activity is also smaller. Its agriculture consists primarily of forage / hay , and the cattle products raised on that pasture and hay are almost 100% of farm products annually. 31°32′N 110°50′W  /  31.533°N 110.833°W  / 31.533; -110.833 Ci%C3%A9nega Bridge Ciénega Bridge

1160-460: The opening of the new route, ownership of the old bridge was transferred to Pima County , remaining open to vehicular traffic. The section of US 80 between Tucson and Benson would later be replaced by Interstate 10 , with the US ;80 designation being retired from this section of highway in 1977. The US 80 designation was fully decommissioned within Arizona by 1989. The Ciénega Bridge

1200-466: The population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 79.7% of the population reported speaking Spanish at home, while 19.5% speak English . There were 11,809 households, of which 45.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.3% were married couples living together, 15.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.5% were non-families. 16.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.1% had someone living alone who

1240-409: The population. The largest ancestry groups were: Of the 15,437 households, 45.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.7% were married couples living together, 17.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 22.3% were non-families, and 19.0% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 3.05 and the average family size was 3.51. The median age

Ciénega Creek - Misplaced Pages Continue

1280-489: The project from the federal government under Federal Aid Project Number 18 as well as a Pima County bond issue and the Cochise County Road Fund. As part of the highway construction, the Highway Department needed to build a large bridge over a chasm known as Ciénega Canyon, a natural feature of Ciénega Creek , near the town of Vail . Running parallel through the canyon with the creek was the main line of

1320-426: The sides of the bridge deck. The part of the bridge spanning the railroad would be a two span section with three piers supported by a concrete girder structure. In total, the bridge would have 5 spans, with four being approach spans. The overall length of the bridge would be 278 feet (85 m) with a width of 23 feet (7 m). The main architect of the bridge was state engineer Merrill Butler. The exact location of

1360-402: The stream. Ciénega Creek is one of the few remaining streams in southern Arizona that has not been invaded by non-native fish. Las Cienegas National Conservation Area supports the largest natural population of the federally endangered Gila topminnow in the United States, as well as a healthy population of endangered Gila chub and the longfin dace . Las Cienegas National Conservation Area

1400-438: The trends seen in majority Hispanic counties across the United States, Joe Biden defeated Donald Trump with 67.1% of the popular vote in the county, a slightly lower margin than Hillary Clinton's 71.1% vote share in 2016. Trump's gains were far higher than Biden's losses (at nearly 8%), due to a combination of third parties losing votes and higher turnout. Despite this rightward shift in the vote share, Santa Cruz County remains as

1440-406: Was 35.6 years. The median income for a household in the county was $ 36,519 and the median income for a family was $ 40,933. Males had a median income of $ 30,666 versus $ 25,135 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 16,209. About 20.6% of families and 25.2% of the population were below the poverty line , including 36.8% of those under age 18 and 15.7% of those age 65 or over. As of

1480-450: Was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.23 and the average family size was 3.66. In the county, the population was spread out, with 33.6% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 10.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 91.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.2 males. The median income for

1520-403: Was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 30, 1988. The majority of the original bridge structure remains unaltered, the exception being the original guardrails, which had been replaced by Jersey barriers in 1989. Although the guardrail replacement has slightly weakened the bridge's overall structural integrity, it does not pose a significant threat. The Ciénega Bridge

1560-538: Was designated as part of U.S. Route 80 , a transcontinental highway, the western and eastern termini of which, were located in Savannah, Georgia (later Tybee Island, Georgia ) and San Diego, California , respectively. The Ciénega Bridge became a heavily traveled section of US 80, which by the early 1950's, had become one of the most dangerous roads in the state of Arizona. Between 1952 and 1955, 11 motorists had been killed in separate car accidents in relation to

1600-404: Was established in 2000 to protect the upper Ciénega basin. Its headquarters is the historic Empire Ranch , which is located about 45 miles (72 km) southeast of Tucson, near the town of Sonoita . Spanning 45,000 acres (18,000 ha), Las Cienegas includes large areas of grassland and woodland, in addition to Ciénega Creek and the riparian corridor. Empire Ranch, which dates back to the 1870s,

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