Chihuahua is the capital city of the state of Chihuahua and the largest state of the Mexican Republic, covering almost 13% of the territory. It is a dynamic, modern city, full of tradition and history. The region's fame from its mineral veins and "haciendas", as well as the rivers that enclose it, helped the commerce flourish. Likewise, cattle farming developed successfully here, being nowadays the main economic activity in the city and its surroundings.
Description
Chihuahua is located in a valley and is mostly encircled by mountains, exhibiting rugged terrain. Due to the aridness, the climate during most of the year is hot and dry, lacking the heavy rains that fall in the center and south of Mexico. In the winter, however, you can experience pretty low temperatures.
Chihuahua has more than 750,000 inhabitants and is the second most important city in the state. It is a progressive, thriving, dynamic and fully industrialized city, maintaining at the same time its colonial past and a wonderful Mexican air. Its population has a high cultural level, that is shown in the numerous museums and spectacular constructions that can be visited in the city, such as the Republican Loyalty Museum, the Cathedral, the Mexican Revolution Museum, the Gameros Mansion, the Government Palace and the Museum of Contemporary Art, among many others.
In Chihuahua's surrounding area, you can find impressive natural marvels. There are mountains, canyons and valleys, where you can partake in diverse activities related to ecotourism and take part in fabulous adventures traveling through stunningly beautiful places. Moreover, Chihuahua is one the main stops of the tour to Barranca del Cobre, an amazing journey by train that provides you with a breathtaking view of one of the largest canyons in North America. You can also enjoy the historic and cultural background of this wonderful city.
History
The city of Chihuahua was founded on October 12, 1709 by the Spanish explorer Antonio Deza y Ulloa, originally as San Francisco de Cuellar, changing to the present name of Chihuahua in the year 1824. The term stems from the Nahuatl word "Xicuahua", which means "dry, sandy place".
This land was the scene of the incarceration and death of Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, who is considered the father of the Independence of Mexico. For two years, it was also the home of the first Mexican president, Benito Juarez, who came to Chihuahua to preserve the national sovereignty and fight against the French invasion. The famous hero of the Mexican Revolution, Francisco "Pancho" Villa, also lived here and commandeered the army of the Northern Division from his house. It was turned into a museum in 1982 and is one of the main cultural attractions in Chihuahua.
In 1797, the "tianguis" (street market) was organized so that the townspeople of the surrounding areas could offer their products in Chihuahua. During the colonial times, the village of San Felipe el Real de Chihuahua (which was named after Philip V, King of Spain) became the most important town in the north of the country and the center of military operations to fight the rebel tribes.
At the beginning of the 19th century, while San Felipe el Real de Chihuahua was trying to organize itself, the movement for the National Independence began in the rest of the country. In 1811, the rebel leaders that were fighting in the War of Independence were arrested in the province of Coahuila and taken to the village of Chihuahua for their imprisonment. Among them, the Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, Ignacio Jose de Allende, Juan de Aldama and Jose Mariano Jimenez were judged, sentenced to death and executed in the Jesuit convent.
On July 19, 1823, the region of New Vizcaya, which Chihuahua belonged to, was divided into two different provinces, Chihuahua and Durango. As a result, the village of Chihuahua turned into the city of Chihuahua and was declared capital of the province with the same name.
In 1864, President Benito Juarez arrived to the city, where he stayed for two years with his ministers, to defend the country from French occupation, commandeered by Emperor Maximilian of Habsburg. During those years of the Reform War between liberals and conservatives, Chihuahua emerged as the capital of the Republic and the seat of the Federal Government. Chihuahua's Governmental Palace became the National Palace and the president and his ministers' residence.
At the end of the 19th century, there was huge growth in the creation of industries. Thanks to government incentives, the construction of railroad tracks and a convenient infrastructure was propelled by the main local businesses as well as by foreigner investors.
Get familiar with an important part of Mexico's history through fabulous museums and colonial buildings as you enjoy a cosmopolitan city with first-class hotels, superb commercial areas and a wide array of restaurants. These are precisely the contrasts that make Chihuahua a unique city.