Northern Mexico
Central Mexico
Southern Mexico
Northern Mexico
Central Mexico
Southern Mexico
FROM TEXTILE IDUSTRY TO AGROINDUSTRY
Pre-Hispanic Era
In the region that now constitutes the State of Colima, several pre-Hispanic cultures flourished in Western Mexico.
In the early 16th century, the Purépechas or Tarascos launched a conquest of the territory belonging to the Tecos and reached the saltpeter deposits of Tzacoalco. However, Hueytlatoani Colimotl defeated them in the well-known "Saltpeter War."
Following their victory over the Purépechas, the Tecos, in turn, set out to conquer Sayula, Zapotlán, and Amula, making the Kingdom of Colima the predominant group in the Chimalhuacan Confederation.
Colonial Era
After the fall of Tenochtitlán and subjugating the Purépechas, two expeditions sent by the Tecos were defeated, resulting in the death of Francisco Álvarez Chico. Consequently, Hernán Cortés dispatched a third expedition led by Gonzalo de Sandoval, who defeated the Tecos at the Alima pass and the Tecomán Palenque.
Upon the completion of the Conquest, Gonzalo de Sandoval founded the Villa of Colima or Santiago de los Caballeros in Caxitlán on July 25, 1523, establishing the first City Council in Western New Spain. In 1524, Don Francisco Cortés de San Buenaventura arrived in Colima as the appointed Mayor of the new Villa. However, due to prevailing unhealthiness, the Villa was relocated to its present location on January 20, 1527.
History of Colima
Thus began the colonial era in the province of Colima, which would eventually expand its boundaries through the subjugation of coastal villages in the north. During this period, its coasts gained great importance when, in 1533, Hernando de Grijalva discovered the Revillagigedo Archipelago. The port of Tzalahua became a defensive site and an important commercial center during the 300 years of Spanish rule.
With the establishment of spinning and weaving factories such as La Armonía, La Atrevida, and San Cayetano, signs of "scientific modernity" began to emerge.
19th century
During the Independence period, the City of Colima was taken by insurgents in late 1810 without resistance and recaptured by royalists in 1811. The Constitution of 1857 elevated Colima to the status of a Free and Sovereign State.
In 1869, the telegraph service was inaugurated in the capital city and shortly afterward in the port of Manzanillo. In 1883, the telephone service was introduced. In 1871, the construction of the Hidalgo Theater began, and its "official" opening had to wait until 1887 when it was named Teatro Santa Cruz in honor of the then governor.
In 1874, the first institution of higher education in the state, the Liceo de Varones, opened its doors. In December 1881, the elevation of the Colima parish to the rank of bishopric was celebrated with solemnity.
Before the end of the century, the railway arrived to support the newly established modernity. After many difficulties, on September 16, 1889, the Manzanillo-Colima railway section was inaugurated. In March 1892, the urban railway of the city of Colima was inaugurated.
Modern Era
After a brief but dramatic interruption caused by the earthquake of January 19, 1900, Colima resumed its path of modernization. Electric lighting was introduced in December 1906.
The Colima-Tuxpan railway section was completed, and during its inaugural journey in December 1908, it arrived in Colima with President Porfirio Díaz as its most distinguished passenger.
The textile industry declined before the end of the 19th century, but cotton cultivation continued and was transported to Guadalajara with the railway. In the 1940s, new lands were opened for cultivation in the Tecomán valley, marking the beginning of a new economic cycle characterized by lemon cultivation and the birth of agroindustries.
In 1942, the Popular University of Colima was founded, marking the beginning of a new era.
CITY SURROUNDED BY VOLCANOES