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History of SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE provided by Dotty Vidargas Real Estate On August 13, 1521, Hernan Cortes and his armies ruled over the city of Mexico (Tenochtitlan), the capital, but not over the whole dominion. It was a very important par and the key that opened the way to the possession and control of an immense and rich territory. The Spaniards rushed fiercely into the interior to consolidate the conquest and to procure wealth. They went south after the gold and the pearls that Moctezuma's, book of tributes proclaimed, then, went on north to the "still unknown and virgin land of the Aztecs". The discovery of silver in this region was dream and incentive. Much of the conquest of New Spain was carried out by missionaries, for the sword conquered lands an people but the cross won souls and consolidated dominions. The conquest was the working together of adventurous soldiers and Zealous Friars. In 1531, Fray Juan de San Miguel of the Franciscan order, worked without rest in Michoacan. He learned the native language and lived among the Indians to whom he distributed land and water. He founded schools and hospitals. He established the San Miguel School which later was incorporated into the San Nicolas School. Today this is the University of Michoacan where manual skills and popular arts are taught and counsel is given to the "Tarasco" and "Chichimeca" Indians. Humble, barefooted, but whit great faith, he went on to Uruapan. Under his direction, the" Indians learned manual arts, how to make organs for the choirs, rosary beads, small chocolate-mills, capstans, cotton gloves and stockings, the cutting of mill stones for grinding and to plant trees and crops. He instructed them in the use of different musical instruments, forming groups and awakening their deep sense of music. In the Uruapan mountanis he re-organized Indian villages and founded others, giving them Christian names. In 1540, Friar Juan de San Miguel lefft Uruapan. He carried with him the memory of the sierra, the valley and the sky —all reminders of his native land (Spain). So prolific and soul satisfying was his work in Uruapan that he went back as his life drew near to a close. He became the guardian of Santa Maria de Gracia church in the town of San Francisco de Acambaro which was established by the Otomí chieftain, Nicolas de San Luis Montanez. Because of the victorious deeds of this chieftain —captain general, conqueror and founder of the "Chichi-meca" Indian's frontier— together with his companion, the chieftain Fernando de Tapia, in the battle of Cerrito Colorado (Queretaro), on July 25, 1531, the towns of Queretaro, Apaseo and Tocuaro were established. Likewise in Acambaro, the traveling friar built the hospital, the church and schools. He watched stubbornly over the religious teachings of the Indians in the province and environs. On his way north, he traversed vast land where belligerent Indians, almost nomads, threatened towns and roads. His religious fever urged him to win them over. In Queretaro, he preached indefatigably, awakening sentiments adn ambitions. By his zeal, he persuaded a group of Spaniards together with some "Tarasco" and "Otomi" Indians of Fernando de Tapia's army, to join him in the enterprise of conquering other "Otomi" "Huachichiles" and "Chichimeca" Indians. Friar Juan de San Miguel started out from Acambaro traveling to Apaseo, on to Chamacuero (Comonfort) and, taking protection at the Tlaxcalilla for that safe-guarded the advance of Nicolas de San Luis Montanez, arrived at a valley. Here he chose the place to establish the Indian village which he named San Miguel for the patron saint of his own name. The ruins of this village can be seen today a short distance beyond the Laredo-Mexico Railroad Station. He outlined the streets and distributed land according to the law. After founding a small church, he turned his work over to Friar Bernardo Cossin who discovered the Izcuina-pan springs (dog's river: izcuintli means dog and apan is the word for river) on the slopes of Moctezuma hill. Today these are called "El Chorro" springs. Families loyal to the cause were brougth to the new village from Tlaxcala to strengthen the power of the conquerors—just as the "Mitimaes" regime of the Inkas in Peru did when coming in contact with new rebel people. With this loyal people, peace was quickly restored and the new community soon organized. The village of San Miguel de los Chichimecas owes its Indian, religious and military foundations to Friar Juan de San Miguel, as do the villages of Tancitaro, Periban, Charapan, Los Reyes and Uruapan. This noted missionary and founder of towns died in Uruapan on May 3, 1555 as he had wished and hoped. Indians and Spaniards buried him in the church at the right of the main altar. There were still belligerent Indians occasionally marauding fields and villages, greatly alarming and frightening the population. San fitcotf o,iidiznr ais the population. Juan Yanez, one of the conquerors and founders of San Miguel, informed the Viceroy Luis de Velasco of the struggle he was having with the "Chichimeca" Indians at the place called "Boca del Infierno". When Juan Yanez emerged victorious from this struggle, he again informed the Viceroy and at the same time asked for his consent to establish a village for the Spaniards. Oon December 10, 1555, the Viceroy Luis de Velasco was ill in Apaseo and unable to be present at the dedication ceremony of the new village. He ordered that "to avoid deaths, attacks and robberies by the "Chichimeca" indians on the road of Zacatecas, the village for the Spaniards must be established". The village was founded. Conquerors and people seeing that one of the Izcuina-pan water springs had driep up, decided to move their primitive settlement to Santa Veracruz for the "love of the water". This site was named "El Batan". With the founding of the village, a garrison was established. This garrison together with loyal indians maintained an alert watch over the roads, keepin them open and free from danger. With the finding of silver-bearing lands in works in the mines and safeguard the transportation of the minerals to the City of Mexico. As time went on, the village grew in the open space between "El Batan" and the old San Miguel de los Chichime-cas—just as it is today. More Spaniards and Indians came to live in the village. To the former, cattle, ranches, pasture lands, houses and orchards were given with the obligation to care for and occupy the lands eight months of the year. They were forbidden to sell any part of their property before a period of five years. The important Indian chiefs were exempt from taxes and given other privileges. The village of San Miguel de los Chichimecas soon changed its name for more important one of San Miguel el Grande. This differentiated it from others of the same name, marking its industrial and commercial progress. San Miguel el Grande became a very important town in the XVIII century because of factories, tanneries, ranches, cattle and industries. At the end of this century, San Miguel el Grande was famous for its weaving—the Spaniards had 18 looms and the Indian had 348—. "Sarapes", "jorongos", blankets, small covers, harnesses, swords, knives, spurs and stirrups became well known in and of Mexico. Wax was plentiful and candles were made in abundance—these lighted many churches, mansions and huts. Because of this, a popular song says: "...of the kingdoms, Guanajuato; of the villages, San Miguel...". On January 20, 1779 in San Miguel el Grande, Ignacio de Allende y Unzaga, the forger of Mexican independence and valuable collaborator in the epic year of 1810, was born. In his spirited youth, he was convinced that Mexico would reach its independence and freedom. In San Luis Potosi, he ripened his thoughts and strengthened his beliefs. It is said about him that while in Jalapa, knowing of Napoleon's invasion and the imprisonment of Iturrigaray, he wrote on the walls of his room: "Independence, you coward Creoles!". On his return to San Miguel el Grande, he persisted in the plans for the conspiracy. He plotted with army officers headed by lieutenant Jose Mariano Michelena in Valladolid (Morelia). Later he worked with the Corregidor Dominguez and his wife, conspirators of Queretaro. In the house of Domingo de Allende —Plaza Principal (Plaza de Allende) No. 16, corner of Calle de Reloj— under pretext of dances and entertainments, meeting were held in the basement to coordinate patriotic anxieties. Many men took part in these secret meetings. Tradition says that even the colonel of the "Dragones de la Reina", Narciso Maria Loreto de la Canal, took part in these meetings. Allende, Aldama and others carried deep in their hearts the indomitable thirst for freedom which they had inherited from their maternal ancestry. In one of the secret meetings, Felipe Gonzalez recommended that Allende unite with a priest of prestige to raise the outcry of liberty, to avoid suspicion and the opposition of the church. Allende lent ear to this recommendation and soon was in contact with Father Miguel Hidalgo y Castillia of Dolores who gladly went along with the revolutionaries. Allende and Juan Aldama, advised by the Corregidora Dominguez that the conspiracy had been discovered, fled to Dolores on the night of September 15. The next day, Allende, Aldama and Father Hidalgo gathered the people in the Plaza de Dolores and from the door steps of (he church, the latter addressed the people, inciting them to the revolution. An army was improvised. Allende smiled with satisfaction as he saw his dreams of liberty and freedom comes true. The army of the independence started its march to victory or death. On the evening of that same day, they arrived at the Sanctuary of Atotonilco. Here Father Hidalgo grasped a painting of the Virgen of Guadalupe from the wall, placed it high on a spear and marched on to the cry of "Long live Ihe Virgen of Guadalupe and death to the 'gachupines' " (name given in Mexico to the natives of Spain). The patriots victoriously paraded the flag of the free country. But this hour belonged yet lo Spain. The patriots were defeated. Father Hidalgo and General Ignacio de Allen-de, along with other heroes, were shot to death. But the torch of freedom had been lighted and would never go out. The Congress of the Free Slate of Guanajuato, recognizing the heroic deed of General Allende, paid him tribute in the following decree: "From the day the Political Constitution will be sworn in the village of San Miguel el Grande, this village shall be called: City of San Miguel de Allende". This glorious title honoring San Miguel, does honor to all Mexico. This guide on Mexperience is an extension of the guides to Living and Working in Mexico. The information here is for those who are specifically considering a foreign country to retire to - and who are considering Mexico as part of that process. FMT is the common tourist visa that is issued as you enter the country and which you must turn in as you exit the country for the last time. You may come and go across the border while you hold the FMT. The FMT is good for 180 days. It cannot be renewed. If you require more time, you will have the leave the country and re-enter with a new FMT good for another 180 days.Immigration and Legal Issues
General Statistical Data About Mexico Getting here Paperwork for People, Animals, Cars and Things Foreigners Living in Mexico San Miguel de Allende is the seat of the municipality of Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico, a historic town founded in 1542 that has become an attractive tourist destination for wealthy Mexico City residents and has a large American and Canadian expatriate community comprised primarily of retirees.San Miguel is a cosmopolitan town with many cultural and artistic activities. Most who come to San Miguel won’t want to leave. It is a relaxing and enjoyable place to visit to get away from the rest of the world. San Miguel features fine dining and accommodations, beautiful scenery, great enjoyment. What more could anyone ask for? The town was founded in 1542 by the Franciscan monk Fray Juan de San Miguel. It was an important stopover on the Antiguo Camino Real, part of the silver route from Zacatecas, Zacatecas. The town featured prominently in the Mexican War of Independence. General Ignacio Allende, one of San Miguel's native sons, was a leading player in the war against Spain for independence. Allende, captured in battle and beheaded, is a national hero. San Miguel el Grande renamed itself "San Miguel de Allende" in 1826 in honor of his actions.
By 1900, San Miguel de Allende was in danger of becoming a ghost town. Declared a national historic monument in 1926 by the Mexican government, development in the historic district is restricted in order to preserve the town's colonial character. During the Cristero uprising in Mexico, when clergy and their families were persecuted, the grandchildren of Gen. Mariano Escobedo came to San Miguel de Allende, which was conveniently in a secluded condition while verging on being a ghost town.
Attractions:
During the final week of July, San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato, Guanajuato are co-hosts to the Expresión en Corto International Film Festival, Mexico’s largest competitive film festival and the most prestigious of its kind in Latin America. The internationally renowned festival is free to the public and screens over 400 films from 10am until 4am each day in 16 venues, which include such unusual locations as San Miguel's Jardín Principal (or main square), the subterranean streets and tunnels of Guanajuato, the Guanajuato Mummy Museum and both city's Municipal graveyards (Panteónes).
The following is a list of just some of San Miguels excellent attractions. Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel, San Miguel de Allende
Built in 1683, this pastel pink church is the city's most recognizable landmark.
Attraction type: Religious site; Architectural building
Museo de San Miguel de Allende, San Miguel de Allende
A nice, if unguided, tour of Allende's home. The architecture is charming and worth the price of admission for the sake of pictures and a nice distraction (free as of December of 2006). The...
Attraction type: History museum
Zocalo, San Miguel de Allende
This plaza is the center of social activity in San Miguel de Allende
Attraction type: Town center/square/plaza Church of San Francisco (Iglesia de San Francisco), San Miguel de Allende
This 18th-century church, built in the architectural style called churrigueresque, contains several pieces of well-known art.
Attraction type: Religious site Church of Our Lady of Health (Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Salud), San Miguel de Allende
Father Juan Benito Díaz de Gamarra, an important philosopher, once taught at this old church.
Attraction type: Religious site
Casa del Mayorazgo de Canal, San Miguel de Allende
This mansion is still owned by the family of Manuel Tomas de la Canal, but is now open to the public.
Attraction type: Historic home La Cava de la Princesa, San Miguel de Allende
Attraction type: Bar/club Escondido Place, San Miguel de Allende
The pools at this popular site are fed by a hot spring.
El Jardin, San Miguel de Allende
The city's crowded center plaza is located at the heart of the historic district.
Bellas Artes, San Miguel de Allende
A school for the arts that any would feel pleased to attend, the self-guided tour reveals open studios for photography, sculpture, music, dance and painting. Decorated with a variety of murals, each...
Attraction type: Architectural building
Inter/Idiomas, San Miguel de Allende
This language school offers crash courses.
Attraction type: Educational site
Academia Hispano-Americana, San Miguel de Allende
This school offers a variety of language classes.
Attraction type: Educational site Warren Hardy Spanish School, San Miguel de Allende
This world-famous language school offers 2.5-week classes as well as four-day or six-day intensive classes.
Attraction type: Educational site Centro Mexicano de Lengua y Cultura, San Miguel de Allende
This language school offers classes for both adults and children.
Attraction type: Educational site Instituto Habla Hispana, San Miguel de Allende
One of the town's premier language schools.
Attraction type: Educational site
Public Library (Biblioteca Publica), San Miguel de Allende
Run by volunteers, this library is the second largest bilingual library in Mexico.
Attraction type: Library Los Originales de Papel Machier, San Miguel de Allende
This paper-mache factory creates many of the products sold throughout town.
Mercado Ignacio Ramirez, San Miguel de Allende
Vendors at this market sell all sorts of arts and crafts, including cheap homemade rugs.
Attraction type: Flea/street market
Touch Spa, San Miguel de Allende
A popular place for relaxing massages near the town's main plaza.
Attraction type: Spa Los Grutas, San Miguel de Allende
This hot spring makes for relaxing baths.
Attraction type: Spa Ignacio Allende House (Casa de Ignacio Allende), San Miguel de Allende
The birthplace of Ignacio Allende, one of the leaders of the War of Independence, is now a museum dedicated to this national hero.
Attraction type: Historic site; Historic home; Museum Iglesia de la Concepcion, San Miguel de Allende
This neoclassical cathedral is known for its large-domed top.
Attraction type: Religious site Oratorio of San Felipe Neri, San Miguel de Allende
This 17th-century church was built only after a protracted struggle to gain the land where a church built by Indians had previously stood.
Attraction type: Religious site House of the Counts of la Canal, San Miguel de Allende
Now a bank, this building was the home of a nobleman in colonial times.
Attraction type: Historic home
House of the Inquisitor, San Miguel de Allende
The place of residence of the church representative who presided over the Inquisition.
Attraction type: Historic home
Juarez Park, San Miguel de Allende
Young boys honing their bull-fighting skills are sometimes seen in this large lush garden.
Attraction type: Park
El Charco del Ingenio, San Miguel de Allende
This 200-acre nature reserve has a variety of native vegetation and cacti.
Attraction type: Park
Chapel of the Third Order, San Miguel de Allende
This simple Franciscan chapel dates back to the early 18th century.
Attraction type: Religious site
Chapel of the Holy House of Loreto (Chapel de la Casa de Loreto), San Miguel de Allende
This ornate 18th-century chapel is a reproduction of the Holy House in Italy that is said to be a replica of Mary's house in Nazareth.
Attraction type: Religious site Jail of the Inquisition, San Miguel de Allende
Prisoners of the Inquisition were held in this small structure while their fate was decided.
Attraction type: Historic site
House of the Dogs (Casa de los Perros), San Miguel de Allende
This aesthetically appealing structure was once home to Juan de Umarán, a hero of the Mexican Revolution.
Attraction type: Historic home
Galeria San Miguel, San Miguel de Allende
This art gallery specializes in modern art.
Attraction type: Art gallery
Mercado de Artesanias, San Miguel de Allende
This small market is located on a narrow side street.
Attraction type: Flea/street market
Joyeria David, San Miguel de Allende
This store specializes in silver goods.
Attraction type: Specialty shop
Casa Cohen, San Miguel de Allende
This store specializes in brass, stone and bronze carvings.
Attraction type: Specialty shop
Ignacio Ramirez Center, San Miguel de Allende
This school offers instruction in both dance and music.
Attraction type: Educational site
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