Saltillo

Saltillo was founded as 'Villa de Santiago del Saltillo' on July 25, 1577, by Spanish settlers. This date marks the establishment of the first permanent Spanish settlement in northeastern Mexico. Saltillo served as a significant point of Spanish colonization in northern Mexico and played an important role in the Spanish empire's strategy to control indigenous populations.

Saltillo played a role in Mexico's fight for independence from Spanish rule, which culminated with the successful entry of the Army of the Three Guarantees into Mexico City on September 27, 1821. This event marked Mexico's transformation into an independent nation after a decade-long war. Saltillo, like many other towns, celebrated the end of Spanish rule and the establishment of the First Mexican Empire.

During the Mexican-American War, the Battle of Buena Vista took place near Saltillo on February 22-23, 1847. General Zachary Taylor led the American forces against the Mexican army commanded by General Antonio López de Santa Anna. The battle saw a significant clash with heavy casualties on both sides, but ultimately resulted in an American victory, strengthening the U.S. position in the war.

In the context of the French Intervention in Mexico, Saltillo was occupied by French forces aiming to establish a monarchy under Maximilian of Habsburg. The occupation lasted until 1867 when the French withdrew support and republican forces recaptured the city. The French intervention remains a notable event in Mexican history, highlighting international ambitions in the region.

Saltillo was one of the many cities affected by the Mexican Revolution, which began on November 20, 1910. The revolution was a major armed struggle that drastically transformed Mexican political and social structures. Rebel forces moved through the northern regions, including Saltillo, challenging the long-standing dictatorial regime of Porfirio Díaz and advocating for land reforms and workers' rights.

Venustiano Carranza, a key figure in the Mexican Revolution and native of the nearby state of Coahuila, declared opposition to the illegitimate government of Victoriano Huerta in 1913 while in Saltillo. As governor of Coahuila, Carranza rallied regional support against Huerta's regime, arguing for constitutional governance, which played a pivotal role in the revolutionary efforts to restore democracy to Mexico.

In 1929, Saltillo witnessed the merging of its largest educational institutions, resulting in the establishment of the Autonomous University of Coahuila. This merger aimed to enhance higher education opportunities and academic growth in the region, providing diverse educational programs that benefitted the community by elevating scholarly standards and fostering economic development through education.

In 1980, the establishment of a major industrial complex in Saltillo significantly boosted the region's economy. This industrialization was marked by the arrival of numerous automotive and manufacturing companies, making Saltillo one of the leading industrial cities in northern Mexico. The city's economy diversified and grew, providing jobs and development opportunities that drastically transformed the region's economic landscape.

On July 1, 1990, Saltillo became a sister city to Austin, Texas, fostering cultural and economic exchanges between the two cities. This partnership aimed to promote mutual understanding and cooperation in areas such as business, education, tourism, and cultural activities. The agreement enhanced the international ties and collaborations, benefiting citizens of both cities through shared projects and initiatives.

On December 17, 2018, Saltillo experienced an unexpected and massive snowfall that covered the city in a thick blanket of snow, capturing the attention of national and international media. The unusual weather phenomena led to the closing of schools and businesses and also became a trending topic across social media platforms, highlighting the city's rare encounter with severe winter conditions.