Matehuala

History

Pre-Colonial

Prior to the arrival of the Spanish, the Potosi Plateau region was inhabited by the indigenous Guachichiles, a group of Chichimeca peoples who occupied the southern and central portions of the Mexican Plateau. A nomadic people, they generally lived in small mobile villages and were primarily hunter-gatherers, making them experts of the local herbs and vegetation in the arid region.

The Guachichiles were known as fierce warriors.

Colonial

Some sources claim that the name "Matehuala" was derived from a warning war cry of the Guachichiles that translates to "do not come [here]!"

In the early 16th century, Spanish expeditions sought metals and mining opportunities in the Altiplano region. Captain Gabriel Ortiz de Fuenmayor and a contingent of soldiers, adventurers, and missionaries entered from Zacatecas, founding San Francisco de Matehuala in 1550. The Chichimec War erupted in 1549, lasting 40 years, causing the abandonment of Matehuala. Viceroy Luis de Velasco organized expeditions between 1551 and 1553 to end the war, using allies to settle for peace and create settlements.

The conflict continued until 1568 when frontier presidios were established. King Philip II sought peace negotiations, leading to conferences attended by indigenous leaders. In 1638, Matehuala's possession changed hands due to language barriers. By the 17th century, mineral discoveries boosted Matehuala's economy.

In 1706, the town's second founding occurred after a commission verified land ownership. In 1786, New Spain was divided into intendancies, including San Luis Potosí. In 1799, a parish was established in Matehuala, although conflicts between Spaniards and indigenous people resurfaced due to fees for newcomers. The mining boom in Real de Catorce led to economic growth in Matehuala. Finally, in 1808, Matehuala was designated a villa, marking a significant historical event.

Government

Municipal presidents

Notable people

• Juan José Ortega, film director and producer (1904–1996)
• Octavio Medellín, artist and sculptor (1907–1999)

Notable buildings

• The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Matehuala has the same architectural style as the Church of Saint Joseph des Brotteaux, in Lyon, France. Its construction started in 1898 and was never finished.
• Iglesia Santísima de Guadalupe

References

References

1. [http://citypopulation.de/en/mexico/admin/san_luis_potosi/24020__matehuala/ Citypopulation.de] Population of Matehuala municipality with localities
2. (2018-04-02). "Reconsideration of the nomadic condition of the southernmost Guachichiles based on the relationship with their environment". Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine.
3. Schmal, John P.. (2004). "Los Antepasados Indígenas de los Guanajuatenses: A Look into Guanajuato's Past".
4. Post, The Mexico Daily. (2021-08-08). "Matehuala, where the Guachichiles resisted the Spanish conquest - San Luis Potosi Post".
5. "Matehuala". Enciclopedia de los Municipios y Delegaciones de México.
6. "National Institute for Federalism and Municipal Development (Inafed). On the left column, please click on "Información Histórica". Then, from the drop-down menu, select "Presidentes Municipales". Search for the state or federal entity and then the desired municipality. Estado de San Luis Potosí. Matehuala".
7. (1 October 2012). "Nombra Cabildo a nuevo alcalde en Matehuala, SLP".
8. "Consejo Estatal Electoral y de Participación Ciudadana de San Luis Potosí, CEEPACSLP. Acta de cómputo municipal de la elección para el Ayuntamiento de Matehuala, 2018".
9. "Consejo Estatal Electoral y de Participación Ciudadana de San Luis Potosí, CEEPACSLP. Acta de cómputo municipal de la elección para el Ayuntamiento de Matehuala, 2021".
10. (16 June 2021). "Resultados Elecciones 2021: Alianza PT-PVEM gana mayoría de municipios en SLP. Matehuala → Iván Noé Estrada Guzmán". Alcaldes de México.
11. (21 November 2023). "Hoy, elegirán presidente municipal interino en Matehuala (Today, They Will Elect an Acting Municipal President in Matehuala)". Código San Luis.
12. (22 November 2023). "Franco Alejandro Coronado Guerra toma protesta como presidente municipal interino de Matehuala (Franco Alejandro Coronado Guerra Takes Oath as Acting Municipal President of Matehuala)". Gobierno Municipal de Matehuala 2021-2024.
13. "Integración del Ayuntamiento de Matehuala. 2024". CEEPACSLP.