[2] Rita Ranch is part of Esmond Station Area Development Plan created in 1986 by the City of Tucson.
It was so named that in reference to the historical Esmond Train Station, which was located near the current neighborhoods of Rita Ranch.
Between 1890 and 1910, the nation's growing railway system had finally reached the city of Tucson in the Arizona territory.
This set of lines ran through present day Rita Ranch, and many of the undeveloped areas still have deteriorating railroad tracks that can be found today.
7) at the present day intersection of Rita Road and Houghton, killing 14 people in what became known as the Esmond Train Wreck.