In the mid-19th century during the Mexican-American War, the 101st Infantry, better known as the Mormon Battalion, marched from Council Bluffs, Iowa to San Diego, California. The 500 soldiers traveled 2,000 miles! On December 16, 1846, they arrived in Tucson to free the Presidio San Agustin del Tucson from Mexican occupation. Instead of exchanging gunfire, the two armies bartered and the area became a United States property. This monument, called the Exchange at the Presidio, was erected in 1996 to commemorate the historical event. The bronze sculptures are located in El Presidio Park.
