AZ HCR2055

Concurrent resolution recognizing Father Eusebio Francisco Kino's contributions to the exploration and settlement of northern Sonora, Mexico and southern Arizona during the 17th and early 18th centuries.

Father Kino established 24 missions and country chapels in the region beginning in 1681, including the Mission San Xavier del Bac near Tucson, and interacted with 16 different Sonoran tribes.

He introduced European agricultural methods, seeds, grains, and livestock to indigenous populations, growing mission cattle herds from 20 to 70,000 during his tenure.

Father Kino was an accomplished astronomer, mathematician, cartographer, and author who opposed slavery and forced labor of Native Americans in Spanish silver mines.

Legislature recognizes Father Kino's exceptional contributions to the settlement and development of the northern Mexico and southwest American region before his death in 1711.