19th century

In 1580, León was elevated to the category of "Alcaldía Mayor" (Greater Municipality), and on June 2, 1830, it was given the title of "Ciudad" (City) in memory of the Aldama brothers.

Since then, the city has experienced economic, educational, and cultural development. The textile and shoe industries have been some of the most representative in the city.

The Oratorio Temple was built in 1830. Father Ignacio Aguado strongly supported higher education and founded colleges such as San Francisco de Sales, established since 1840, and the Madre Santísima de la Luz, founded in 1844.

In the 19th century, important new constructions were achieved, such as "La Calzada" (The Causeway) and its bridge in 1849. Other buildings that filled León's residents with pride were the reconstruction of the Convent and College of the Pauline Fathers, which, with adaptations, transformed into the Municipal Palace starting in 1869. New markets were also established, such as the Hidalgo Market, better known as "El Parián," inaugurated in 1866, and the Aldama Market, called "La Soledad," inaugurated in 1883.

The Doblado Theater was completed in 1880, and the Cathedral was consecrated by the first bishop, Díez de Sollano y Dávalos, on March 16, 1866, to permanently house the Santísima Virgen de la Luz, the patron saint of León.

The prosperity achieved during the second half of the 19th century elevated León to the status of the second city of the Republic, given its high demographic index. However, due to the floods of 1865 and 1888, as well as the typhus and scarlet fever epidemics of 1892 and 1908, the economic momentum was greatly affected.

Nevertheless, despite the challenges faced by the city, important projects continued. In 1883, the Manuel González Park (formerly known as Paseo del Ojo de Agua) was constructed, which is now the Hidalgo Park. At the initiative of Bishop Tomás Barón y Morales, the beautiful Coecillo Bridge was built starting in 1889. In 1896, the Arch of the Calzada, dedicated to the national heroes, was inaugurated, which eventually became a true symbol of the city of León.

By the end of the 19th century, León was a thriving, industrial, and successful city in commerce. One of the main reasons for this economic progress was the good access to communication routes and the use of transportation such as the railway, which connected León to major cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Ciudad Juárez. Additionally, a local tram service with several lines was established.

Modern Era

León was the first city in Mexico to have an electric power plant, which was located in the textile factory "La Americana."

Throughout the 20th century, León continued to grow and thrive as a modern and prosperous city with promising prospects for further development.