Barrio Nopal

Barrio Nopal is a neighborhood located in the city of Tucson, Arizona, United States. The community is situated on the south side of Tucson and is bounded by West 22nd Street to the north, South 12th Avenue to the east, West Irvington Road to the south, and South Mission Road to the west.

History

Barrio Nopal is one of Tucson's oldest neighborhoods, with a history dating back to the 19th century. The neighborhood was originally settled by Mexican immigrants who came to Tucson to work on the railroads and in the mines. The community grew in the early 20th century, and by the 1930s, it had become a vibrant and bustling neighborhood with a strong sense of community.

During the 1950s and 1960s, however, the neighborhood was impacted by urban renewal policies that displaced many residents and led to the demolition of many historic buildings. Despite this, Barrio Nopal has retained much of its character and continues to be a culturally rich and diverse neighborhood.

Demographics

Barrio Nopal has a population of approximately 3,500 people, according to the 2020 United States Census. The community is predominantly Latino, with a rich mix of Mexican, Central American, and South American cultures. The neighborhood is also home to a growing number of African American and Asian American residents.

Culture

Barrio Nopal is known for its vibrant culture and traditions, including Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations and the Tucson International Mariachi Conference. The neighborhood is home to several community organizations and cultural centers, including the Instituto Cultural Mexicano de Tucson, which hosts art exhibits, music performances, and other cultural events.

Economy

Barrio Nopal is primarily a residential neighborhood, but it is also home to several small businesses, including restaurants, convenience stores, and auto repair shops. The neighborhood is located near several major highways and is within close proximity to the Tucson International Airport, making it an attractive location for businesses looking to access the city's transportation infrastructure.

Education

Barrio Nopal is served by the Tucson Unified School District, which operates several schools in the area, including Mission View Elementary School, Pueblo Gardens K-8 School, and Pueblo High School. The neighborhood is also home to several private schools, including the Academy of Tucson.

Transportation

Barrio Nopal is well-connected to Tucson's transportation infrastructure, with several major highways passing through or near the neighborhood. These include Interstate 10, Interstate 19, and State Route 86. The neighborhood is also served by several bus routes operated by the Sun Tran public transit system.

Notable people

Barrio Nopal has been home to many notable people throughout its history, including:

- Raúl Grijalva, U.S. Representative from Arizona's 3rd congressional district - Alfredo Gutierrez, former Arizona state senator - María Elena Salinas, journalist and news anchor - Adalberto Sánchez, former Major League Baseball pitcher

References

This article "Barrio Nopal" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical and/or the page Edithistory:Barrio Nopal. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.

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