Old Tucson: A Journey Through Hollywood’s Western Heritage

Old Tucson has served as the backdrop for numerous classic Western movies and TV shows, featuring legendary stars.

Some of the cast at Old Tucson. Natalie Eleftheriadis

TUCSON, Ariz.—The closest you will get to stepping off the dusty trail into a bustling 1880s frontier town is a day at Old Tucson, a historic movie studio and theme park.

Established in 1939 for the film “Arizona,” Old Tucson has been the backdrop for numerous classic Western movies and TV shows featuring legendary stars like John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, and Paul Newman.