Northern Mexico
Central Mexico
Southern Mexico
Northern Mexico
Central Mexico
Southern Mexico
ITS NAME MEANS "WHERE THE GOD TOLO LIVES, THE HEAD TILTED"
Pre-Hispanic Era
Its original name was Nepintahihui, "Land of Corn."
Although there is no exact data on the pre-Hispanic foundation of Toluca, history indicates that it was inhabited by the Matlatzincas in the 7th century.
The name of the city originates from the Toloche Hill, located to the north of the city. It comes from Tolocan and means "Where the God Tolo, the head tilted," a name given by the Aztecs when they conquered the territory in 1473.
Colonial Era
In 1521, under Spanish conquest, the city was recognized as Toluca de San José. There are indications that evangelization began in Toluca in 1524, with the rapid construction of the open chapel of the Holy Cross of the Otomíes. Some chroniclers also mention that Toluca was founded by the missionaries on March 19, 1522, dedicated to the worship of Saint Joseph, and they imposed its name.
Toluca officially became a city on September 12, 1799, when King Carlos IV signed the royal decree granting it such status. Consequently, it ceased to be part of the famous Marquesado.
Although there was an old road connecting Toluca to the magnificent City of Palaces, it was not until 1793 that the construction of the road linking Toluca to the capital of the country began.
During the Independence period, Hidalgo could only recruit indigenous groups in Toluca. The city served as a passage on his way to Mexico City.
History of Toluca
19th century
In 1811, one of the most tragic episodes occurred after the only armed conflict experienced by the city of Toluca. The insurgent army led by José María Oviedo, Cristóbal Cruz, Juan Canseco, and Father Orcillés besieged Toluca, seriously threatening it. Rosendo Porlier, feeling humiliated by the siege and seeking help from Captain De la Cueva, decided to execute a hundred indigenous people without just cause, in the place now known as "Plaza de los Mártires" (Martyrs Square).
In 1820, Toluca regained a legally integrated municipality with a democratic political constitution. In 1830, Toluca became the fifth capital of the State of Mexico, and it also became the home of the Scientific and Literary Institute, founded in Tlalpan by Don Lorenzo de Zavala in 1828 and currently serving as the headquarters of the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico.
In 1861, by decree of the local legislature, it was renamed Toluca de Lerdo in memory of Miguel Lerdo de Tejada.
During the War of Reform, the city experienced periods dominated by the conservative sector and others advancing the Juarist cause. In Toluca, the disentailment of clerical properties began on August 29, 1861, and continued until 1875.
During the French intervention, Toluca was occupied by Bertier, and Maximilian traveled to Toluca and its nearby towns, receiving enthusiastic reception.
After 1869, Toluca entered another period of urban improvement, driven by Mariano Riva Palacio's efforts to transform the capital of the State of Mexico. He hired architect Arangoity, who imposed a style classified by architect Mendiola Quezada as "Porfirian Neoclassical." Construction of the portals began, and plans for a cathedral were also considered. In 1888, the first electric lighting system was inaugurated in Toluca.
Mexican Revolution
The participation of Toluca's society in the Revolution was very active. The Zapatistas roamed the hills, and President Madero visited Toluca and was welcomed by a group dissatisfied with the government of Díaz.
During this revolutionary period, the city was not the scene of major battles or peak events, only a few isolated ones. In 1913, it fell into the hands of the federal army commanded by Huerta. On August 27, 1914, Francisco Murguía took control of Toluca, ending the period of Huerta's government.
On November 21 of the same year, the municipality came under the control of the Zapatistas, who appointed the famous student Gustavo Baz as governor. It was also the last refuge of the Revolutionary Convention, which dissolved in 1915.
Toluca began to modernize when Filiberto Gómez governed in 1929. The urban development of the municipality made significant advances during the administrations of governors Salvador Sánchez Colín and Gustavo Baz Prada. During Juan Fernández Albarrán's tenure, the appearance of downtown Toluca was transformed, with the construction of the current Government Palace, the remodeling of the old one to become the Palace of Justice, the renovation of the municipal palace, the construction of the Morelos Theater, and numerous educational institutions throughout the city.
Modern Era
Historically, it can be asserted that in recent years, Toluca has undergone one of its most radical transformations, with projects that update and expand public services, improve traffic circulation, and modernize its infrastructure to support the city's commercial and industrial growth.
MODERNITY, HISTORY AND TRADITION