Marana is located a few miles northwest of Tucson, AZ. The area has seen human activity going back thousands of years. European settlers arrived in the late 1600's. The town received its modern name when the railroad arrived in 1881. The area was named Maraña, a Spanish word used to describe the thick brush in the area.

The town was not formally incorporated until 1977. The origional boundaries only encompassed 10 square miles. The area and population have both grown quickly since that time and the town now covers 120 square miles and has over 33,000 residents.

The geography ranges from flat agricultural land to the foothills and canyons of the Tortolita Mountains. Outdoor recreation opportunities abound because of the mild climate and there are many golf courses in the area.

Town of Marana web site

Marana School District

Marana Chamber of Commerce

Profile of Marana
Arizona Department of Commerce (PDF file.)

History of Marana