Nogales inhabits La Frontera, the Arizona-Mexico border country that
exists as much as a state of mind as a place. Here among the saguaro
under the Sonoran desert sun came conquerors under the flags of Spain,
Mexico, the United States, and the Confederate States. From the arrival
of Fray Marcos de Niza in the Ambos Nogales territory in 1539 when
Nogales was part of New Spain, through the marches of Conquistadores
along Spain's El Camino Real or Royal Road, to the exploits of Apache
warriors and the Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa, Nogales has been at
the center of life on the frontier.
Nogales: Life and Times on the Frontier explores the rich history of
this area seasoned by cultures from across the border and around the
world. Tales of the bustling ranching, railroad, mining, military, and
produce industries are brought to life through the eyes of figures like
rancher Pete Kitchen and West Point's first African-American graduate
Henry Ossian Flipper. These unique stories are highlighted by striking
images from vintage postcards, period photographs, detailed maps, and
other illustrations that chronicle the journey from lonely Spanish
outpost to thriving modern gateway.