Zacatecas History, Mexico

The foundation for the city of Zacatecas was laid in the year 1546 when the Spanish Ruler Juan de Tolosa discovered the huge availability of silver in this region. It was the availability of multiple mines in and around this region that started to attract people. Initially most of them were businessmen which came to this land to extract silver from different mines and then came the workers who later on started to work in these mines. This was how the population as well as the economy of this newly formed city grew.

Later on, in 1588 this city was gifted with its private coat of arms. This honor for the city was gifted by the King of Spain, namely Philip II. Later on, it was the year 1616 when the city of Zacatecas was gifted with its first college.  The Franciscans were responsible for building this college in the city of Zacatecas.

The silver mines proved to be life saving for the Spanish government considering that they were spending a lot in their wars. This silver was able to fund various wars that the Army of Spain was fighting. Silver extracted from these mines was changed to pieces of eight (which was actually the historical currency of Spain) and transported to different parts of the planet by the Spanish Rulers.

It was the year 1914 when the city of Zacatecas experienced the most severe blood sheds of all times. This happened when the locals and the army of Zacatecas took part in the very famous Mexican Revolution. This battle became famous by the name of Toma de Zacatecas (which means Taking of Zacatecas). A monument related to this severe battle was constructed in the heart of the city. It was constructed during the summit of Cerro de la Bufa. As of now, this awesome monument has become an important emblem for this city.

As of today, mining has been shut down totally due to the complete extraction of silver, but many of the mines are now a tourist attraction.