TUMACACORI NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

“PEOPLE OFTEN COMMENT on the peacefulness of the site and the feeling of the presence of history,” says Anita Badertscher of Tumacácori, one of three missions the park protects. “There’s something about seeing the bare bones of the structures that hits people.” That history is complicated and layered, and there are elements of it everywhere: an orchard planted with heritage fruit trees, a garden designed in the 1930s, tortilla makers and other cultural demonstrations during the park’s peak season. Tumacácori also protects a mile of riparian habitat along the Santa Cruz River. But Badertscher’s favorite place is the church at Tumacácori, particularly when she’s alone. “The light when it’s closing time is beautiful,” the chief of interpretation says. “I like to sing in that space. The dome helps create good acoustics, and if you can sing at all, it sounds beautiful.”