History of Guadalajara
History of Mérida
History of Oaxaca
Northern Mexico
Central Mexico
Southern Mexico
History of Guadalajara
History of Mérida
History of Oaxaca
Northern Mexico
Central Mexico
Southern Mexico
A TOWN WHERE IGNACIO ALLENDE WAS BORN, A MAJOR LEADER IN THE INDEPENDENCE WAR
Colonial Era
According to the Franciscan chronicle written by Fray Alonso de la Rea in 1639, the town was founded in 1542 and owes its existence to Fray Juan de San Miguel.
From his words, it can be inferred that the original settlement was located a quarter of a league (1.5 kilometers) to the west of the current historic center. It is also stated that Don Fernando de Tapia declared in 1571 that, in addition to being the first settler and founder along with his people, he created the first monastery in the area with his friends and settlers.
Intensive colonization of Chichimec territories began when silver deposits were discovered in Zacatecas. As a result of this and the creation of a road for carriages between Mexico City and Zacatecas, existing towns like San Miguel grew in importance.
However, by 1550, the Chichimecs reacted to this invasion and attacked the traders on the silver route. In 1551, the Guamares from the Sierra de Guanajuato attacked the town of San Miguel. As a result of this attack, the surviving settlers were relocated by Fray Bernardo to the location where the current city of San Miguel de Allende is located.
The mission that was in San Miguel Viejo was built in its new location, in the middle part of the hills, between the springs of Chorro, also known as Izcuinapan, and the springs of El Batán, known centuries later as Ciénega de Pineda.
The 1850 plan that corresponds to the description of San Miguel, sent to Spain at the king's request (whose original is located in the Royal Academy of History Library in Madrid), confirms the location of the Mission, where the current Temple of the Santa Escuela stands, known in the 18th century as the "old parish."
History of San Miguel de Allende
War of Independence & the 19th Century
When the Mexican War of Independence began in the nearby town of Dolores (now known as Dolores Hidalgo) on September 16, 1810, with the act now celebrated as "El Grito," the rapidly growing military army arrived in San Miguel el Grande.
Dolores Hidalgo is known as "The Cradle of Independence," while San Miguel was called "Forge of Mexican Independence" because it was where General Ignacio Allende joined the army as the main lieutenant of Father Miguel Hidalgo and led the army to several victories.
Allende could not enjoy an independent Mexico from Spanish oppression as he was captured during a battle and executed. However, in his honor, the town was renamed "San Miguel de Allende" in 1826.
20th Century and the Modern Era
By the early 20th century, the town did not have many inhabitants. In 1926, the old historic center that preserved its colonial elegance was declared a national monument.
After World War II, San Miguel began to revive when it became a tourist and cultural center, where some American soldiers could find scholarships to study any artistic discipline. In 1950, the Instituto Allende was founded, which is now internationally recognized, and in 1962, the Ignacio Ramírez Cultural Center (Bellas Artes) was created, where various artistic classes and disciplines are taught, in addition to being the venue for musical, theater, and dance performances.
Additionally, the popularity of San Miguel as a tranquil and beautiful place to live began to grow, and its natural thermal waters were discovered.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the world-famous actor Cantinflas frequented San Miguel, bringing with him a retinue of movie stars and singers, which further increased the town's fame.
Currently, San Miguel de Allende is considered a jewel of world heritage due to its colonial architecture and has become the home of several thousand foreigners who actively contribute to the city's economy and culture.
Festivals attract audiences from all over, and San Miguel is a city of contrasts where you can enjoy the benefits of modern technology in an environment that dates back up to 450 years in time.
COLONIAL ATMOSPHERE, BOUTIQUE HOTELS AND GOURMET FOOD
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