March 2026 Tidbits from the Museum Series

ARIZONA CORONADO PROJECT

BY Chris Novak, RRHS President 2026-2028

First among the Arizona pioneers was Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, who set foot in Arizona in 1541. His direction of travel from Mexico has been a deliberation among historians and archaeologist. In 2020 Dr. Deni Seymour through research and sleuthing detective work uncovered Coronado`s Villa Geranimo III in Santa Cruz County just outside of Rio Rico along the Santa Cruz River.  I and II are located in Sonora, Mexico. Artifacts found show a force of conquistadors engaged in exploration, Villa life and conquest of the local population.

 Rio Rico Historical Society is proud of Seymour`s excavations and discoveries of artifacts that changed the history of Rio Rico and Arizona and is proud to be part of the Arizona Coronado Project with four volunteers who assisted in finding historic artifacts.

On display at the museum are photographs of Renaissance artifacts from the Coronado expedition, including a bronze hook cannon (two have been uncovered) and crossbow boltheads, horseshoes and corresponding caret head nails.

Additional information about this site and the expedition can be found on display at the museum.