Montemayor was appointed Governor by Gaspar de Zúñiga on February 11, 1599. The city of Monterrey had 34 initial settlers and became the capital of the Nuevo Reino de León and the municipal head. The primary activities were farming, cattle breeding, and mining, all mainly for internal consumption.

Sixteen years after Monterrey's foundation, in 1612, heavy rainfall caused by a natural disaster destroyed the modest settlements of its inhabitants. In response to this catastrophe, Diego Rodríguez, the chief justice and captain of Nuevo Reino, ordered the relocation southward, centered around the old Plaza Real, now Zaragoza.

Martín de Zavala, the son, succeeded his father as Governor from 1626 to 1664 and brought along settlers, livestock, and tools. He founded the Villa of Cerralvo in Monterrey. He also delimited the city, establishing its boundaries adjacent to Coahuila, an extension of land that gradually reduced in size over time due to the significance of the haciendas and estates located within it, such as Hacienda del Huajuco, Pesquería Chica, San Francisco, Santa Elena, San Antonio de los Martínez, Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, San Pedro, and Santa Catarina, among others.

In 1684, Monterrey became isolated in its route to Tampico, leading to its supply from the central region of the country. Trade stagnated for over 200 years.

In the second half of the 18th century, families from almost all the towns of Nuevo Reino de León colonized Tamaulipas, leading to the depopulation of much of the villages and haciendas in Nuevo León.

At the end of this century, significant developments appeared in Monterrey in the Tenerías neighborhood.

19th century

Trade flourished due to smuggling and the establishment of customs in the first half of the 19th century.

The state was one of the least affected by the War of Independence. However, there were some guerrilla skirmishes in Monterrey, and on July 2, 1813, José Herrera attacked the city. Insurgents were executed in the market square. On May 7, 1824, Nuevo León was declared a state, with Monterrey as its capital.

The struggle between federalism and centralism, as in other states in the country, led to constant political disturbances. This situation worsened in Nuevo León with the U.S. invasion in September 1846. Battles took place at the Purísima Bridge, Fortín del Diablo, La Ciudadela, Fortín de la Federación, and Obispado. General Worth took over Obispado and advanced towards the city, leading to its capture on September 24.

The American Civil War resulted in the formation of great fortunes in Monterrey, as the cotton exported from the southern states passed through Monterrey before being shipped to Europe in Matamoros. However, this development did not prosper due to the arrival of the railway, constant attacks by the natives, and the American war.

In 1867, beer, ice, and match factories emerged, in addition to the already-existing soap, sugar, wheat mills, and textile workshops.

Mexican Revolution

Monterrey, occupied by revolutionary forces, was attacked on April 24, 1914, which halted its growth.

The 1920s, despite experiencing violence due to political issues, is considered a turning point for subsequent years in terms of economic, social, and cultural progress.

Modern Era

The University of Nuevo León, now known as the Autonomous University of Nuevo León (UANL), was established, the Nuevoleonesa Society of History, Geography, and Statistics was founded, the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education (ITESM) was established, Social Security was implemented, the waters of the Santa Catarina River were channeled, water supply projects were undertaken, opera seasons and concerts by the Technological Artistic Society were organized.

Modern Monterrey boasts a growing urban infrastructure and a good comunication system.