The construction of the structure occurred from 1775 to 1783 and was used to protect communication and trade routes across northern Sonora and southern Alta California.

The area around the presidio jacals was fortified with a wide ditch roundabout filled with water and a palisade of logs, ordered to be constructed by commander Captain Pedro Allande y Saabedra, with two ramparts on which an unknown number of cannon were placed.

A force of about 600 warriors headed for Tucson, retaliating for a recent Spanish campaign deep into Apache territory.

Unfortunately for the Spaniards, most of the garrison was not present inside the fortification, a lot of whom were scattered across the town, preparing for Sunday mass.

Several Jesuit missionaries were among the population of Tucson, one later reported that around 200 Apaches fought on foot and said he did not attempt to estimate the number mounted on horses.

At the time, Spanish forces numbered forty-two lancers, twenty dragoons and ten native scouts, including officers.

One Apache force first swarmed into Indian village from the north where they encountered little resistance before advancing on to the bridge.

At the bridge a small force of Spanish troops were capable of holding their position, due to superior weapons, muskets against bows and arrows.

After two hours of close quarters combat, the Apaches suffered eight confirmed deaths and dozens more severely wounded.

One soldier, José Antonio Delgado, who hid in a tree from the beginning to the end of the battle, evading capture, later reported that he witnessed three killed Apaches, being removed from the field by their fellow warriors.