Pachuca

Pachuca: A City of Riches and Revival

Imagine a city that has seen the rise and fall of empires, the boom and bust of industries, and the blending of cultures from around the world. That’s Pachuca, the capital and largest city of Hidalgo state in central Mexico. Located 90km north of Mexico City, this place is not just a city; it’s a living history book, with every street corner telling a story.

The Name Game

But where does Pachuca’s name come from? It’s like a mystery wrapped in an enigma. Some say the name comes from the Nahuatl word for ‘strait’, others believe it means ‘place of government’ or even ‘place of factories’. The official name, Pachuca de Soto, honors Congressman Manuel Fernando Soto, who founded Hidalgo state. But what about its nickname, La Bella Airosa? Could this be a reference to the strong winds that blow through the canyons north of the city?

A City of Mines and Industry

For centuries, Pachuca was a major mining center, with its economy heavily reliant on silver. The area has evidence of early human habitation dating back to 12,000 BCE, but it wasn’t until the Spanish arrived in 1528 that mineral exploitation truly began. By 1560, Pachuca’s population had tripled to 2,200 people, and most worked in mining. The discovery of large mineral deposits by Bartolomé de Medina in 1554 only fueled the city’s growth.

However, as mining operations spread to nearby areas, Pachuca began to shift focus towards industry after a downturn in mining. Today, while mining still plays an important role, it forms only a fraction of the municipality’s economy. The manufacturing sector has grown steadily since the 1950s, changing the city’s image from a traditional mining center to one with automotive parts, machinery, and soft drinks production.

Historical Highlights

The city’s rich history is evident in its colonial-era structures and modern development. Téllez laid out Pachuca’s colonial city on the European model, but this has been disproven. The first mineral deposits were found in 1552 by Alonso Rodríguez de Salgado, and by 1560, the population had tripled to 2,200 people. Mining operations spread to nearby areas, causing Pachuca to grow and become a city in 1813.

The decline in mining had disastrous effects on Pachuca’s economy, but with ownership change, mining came to a near standstill, and the economy shifted to industry. The population grew in the 1970s and continued through the 1990s due to non-mining industries and educational institutions.

Cultural Fusion

One of Pachuca’s most fascinating stories is its connection with Cornwall, UK. Beginning in 1824, Cornish miners and English investors came to Pachuca and Real del Monte to invest and work in the mines here. The immigrants brought technology and revitalized the silver industry. Today, the Pachuca – Real del Monte District retains much from its period of association with Cornwall, including architecture.

The Cornish-Mexican Cultural Society works to build educational links between Mexico and the United Kingdom. Cornish and English miners introduced games such as football, tennis, golf, rugby, cricket, and chess to the area. The Pachuca Athletic Club was established in 1900 by Cornish miners, and their first game is still celebrated annually.

Attractions and Attractions

Pachuca has a plethora of attractions that showcase its rich history and cultural heritage. The Monumental Clock of Pachuca, built to commemorate Mexico’s Independence, features a 40-meter tower in Neoclassic style with four sculpted faces. The Church and ex-monastery of San Francisco is a colonial Spanish Baroque church and monastery, begun in 1596, featuring oil paintings, ritual sinks, and the Chapel of Nuestra Señora de la Luz.

The Mercantil Bank—Bancomer Building was designed in the Neoclassical style, built in 1902, and first occupied by the Mercantil Bank then converted into the Niágara Hotel. Today it has returned to being a bank with notable brown cantera stone façade.

The Methodist Church building was built in early 20th century with Romanesque Revival style, remains a Protestant church with Julián Villagrán School. Casa Colorado was built in the 18th century as part of Conde de Regla’s hacienda, former judicial office building acquired by Governor Francisco Cravioto in 1886.

Education and Innovation

The Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo was constructed over the old Hospital de San Juan de Dios and is the oldest educational institution in Hidalgo. A more recently established school opened in 2003 is the Universidad Politécnica de Pachuca (Polytechnic University of Pachuca), which is mostly an engineering school.

The city has twin towns and sister cities with Ponferrada, Spain; Little Rock, Arkansas, US; Camborne, Cornwall, UK; and Eagle Pass, Texas, US. Notable residents include Berta Zerón, Mara Reyes, and María Fassi.

Conclusion

Pachuca is a city that has seen it all – from the rise of mining to its current status as an industrial hub. It’s a place where history meets modernity, where cultures blend, and where every corner tells a story. As you explore Pachuca, you can’t help but wonder: what will be the next chapter in this city’s incredible journey?