La Paz history

The history of the city of La Paz, the capital of the Mexican state of Baja California Sur, is closely intertwined with the Age of Discovery, the pearl fishing industry, and its strategic importance on the Baja California Peninsula.

Foundation and First Mentions

Although the first Europeans to land in these parts in 1534 were mutinous sailors under the command of Fortún Jiménez, the official date of the first Spanish appearance is considered to be 3 May 1535. On this day, the famous conquistador Hernán Cortés landed in the bay, which he named Santa Cruz. However, his attempt to establish a colony was unsuccessful due to harsh conditions and the hostility of the local population. The city received its current name, La Paz (which translates from Spanish as "Peace"), in 1596 thanks to the expedition of Sebastián Vizcaíno, who noted the peaceful reception from the indigenous inhabitants. A permanent settlement was only established here in 1811.

Key Factors of Development

Several key factors defined the development of La Paz:

• Geographical Location: Its position in a deep and protected bay made it an important seaport, a convenient harbour for ships, and a starting point for further exploration of the region.
• Pearl Fishing: For centuries, the Gulf of California was famous for its pearls. In the 19th century, La Paz became one of the world's centres for pearl harvesting, attracting merchants, investors, and adventurers from all over the globe. This industry became the foundation of the local economy.
• Political Status: After a hurricane destroyed the former regional capital, Loreto, in 1829, the government was transferred to La Paz. This secured the city's status as the administrative and political centre of Baja California Sur, a title it retains to this day.

Early Cultural and Economic Characteristics

The early economy of La Paz was almost entirely focused around pearl extraction. This formed a unique society consisting of divers, shipowners, and wealthy merchants. The pearl rush brought wealth to the city, which was reflected in its architecture and cultural life. Interestingly, it was a story heard in La Paz that inspired the writer John Steinbeck to create his famous novella "The Pearl", underscoring the cultural significance of this trade for the city.

Timeline of La Paz History

The history of La Paz is a fascinating chronicle of maritime expeditions, pearl fishing, and its transformation from a remote port into a thriving state capital. Key moments in this history reflect its resilience and strategic importance.

• Approx. 10,000 BC — The first nomadic tribes of hunters and gatherers settle the territory of the modern Baja California Sur peninsula.
• 1534 — Spanish navigator Fortún Jiménez is the first European to land in the bay that would later be called La Paz.
• 3 May 1535 — Conquistador Hernán Cortés arrives in the bay, names it Santa Cruz, and makes an unsuccessful attempt to found the first colony here.
• 1596 — Sebastián Vizcaíno leads a new expedition and gives this place the name La Paz ("Peace"), yet his attempt to establish a foothold on this land also fails.
• 1720 — Jesuit missionaries found the mission of Nuestra Señora del Pilar de La Paz, which becomes an important religious centre of the region.
• 1811 — A permanent city is founded on the site of temporary settlements and begins to grow slowly thanks to its port.
• 1829 — La Paz becomes the capital of all Baja California after a severe hurricane destroys the previous capital, the city of Loreto.
• 1847–1848 — During the Mexican-American War, the city is temporarily occupied by United States troops.
• 1854 — American adventurer William Walker captures La Paz and proclaims it the capital of his independent "Republic of Sonora" for several months.
• End of the 19th Century — The city experiences a "pearl rush", becoming one of the largest centres in the world for the extraction and trade of pearls.
• 8 October 1974 — After the division of the territory into two states, La Paz is officially confirmed as the capital of the new state of Baja California Sur.
• 1970s — The completion of the Transpeninsular Highway and the international airport opens a new era in the city's history, turning it into a popular tourist destination.

Key Stages of La Paz Development

The history of La Paz is not just a chronology of events, but a series of significant transformations that turned it from a remote port settlement into a modern and prosperous state capital. Here are the main milestones that defined the appearance and economy of the city.

• Obtaining Capital Status (1829): After a powerful hurricane destroyed the former regional capital, Loreto, the administrative centre was moved to La Paz. This event became a turning point, turning the city into the political heart of all Baja California and giving a powerful impetus to its urban and social development.
• The "Pearl Rush" (19th Century): In the 19th century, La Paz became one of the global centres for pearl diving. This industry formed the basis of the local economy, attracted investment and labour to the city, and left a deep imprint on the culture. The wealth brought by pearls was reflected in the architecture of that time, and the fame of the "pearl capital" spread throughout the world.
• Confirmation as Capital of Baja California Sur (1974): After the official division of the territory into two separate states, La Paz was confirmed as the capital of the newly formed state of Baja California Sur. This consolidated its administrative status at the federal level and contributed to further modernisation.
• Construction of the Transpeninsular Highway (1970s): The laying of this highway was a true revolution for the isolated peninsula. The highway connected La Paz with the north of Mexico and the USA, which radically changed logistics and served as a catalyst for the development of trade and tourism.
• Development of Transport Infrastructure: The opening of the Manuel Márquez de León International Airport (LAP) and the modernisation of the seaport finally brought La Paz to the world stage. The city became easily accessible to tourists and an important hub for cargo transportation.
• Becoming a Centre for Ecotourism and Science: At the end of the 20th century, the city began actively developing ecological tourism, banking on the unique nature of the Gulf of California. Today, La Paz is known as one of the best places in the world for observing whale sharks, sea lions, and other marine life, attracting not only tourists but also oceanologists.

The architectural appearance of La Paz represents a harmonious combination of modest colonial heritage and later styles dictated by economic development and the growth of tourism. Unlike the lavish colonial cities of central Mexico, the architecture of La Paz is more restrained and functional, which is due to its isolated position and harsh climate.

Missionary and Early Colonial Period

The foundation of the city's early development was the Jesuit mission Nuestra Señora del Pilar de La Paz, founded in 1720. Although the original building has not survived, this period laid the foundations of the urban grid in the historic centre. The architecture of that time was simple and utilitarian, using local materials such as adobe and wood.

The Pearl Rush Era and Neoclassicism (19th Century)

The flourishing of pearl mining in the 19th century brought wealth to the city and marked a new stage in its architectural development. In the historic centre, around the Velasco Garden (Jardín Velasco) and on adjacent streets, buildings in the spirit of European Neoclassicism began to appear. The brightest example of this period is the Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de La Paz (Catedral de Nuestra Señora de La Paz). Its construction began in 1861 on the site of the old mission. The cathedral is executed in a strict Neoclassical style with two symmetrical bell towers, which were completed later, in 1910 and 1920. Other buildings of this era, such as old merchant houses and former government institutions, also reflect this influence.

20th Century: Modernisation and Waterfront Development

With the development of transport infrastructure in the mid-20th century, La Paz began to transform into a tourist centre. This led to the appearance of buildings in the style of functionalism and modernism. A key element of urban development became the Malecón waterfront. This five-kilometre coastal avenue, landscaped and decorated with sculptures on marine themes, became not only the main recreation area but also the showcase of the city, along which hotels, restaurants, and shops are located. Its development formed the modern maritime façade of La Paz.

Contemporary Architecture

Today's architecture in La Paz is largely oriented towards tourism and comfortable living by the sea. These are modern residential complexes, hotels, and marinas, the design of which often strives for integration with the surrounding landscape. In new projects, open spaces, the use of natural materials, and an emphasis on views of the bay predominate, highlighting the city's status as an important resort destination.

Notable Figures Associated with La Paz

The history and culture of La Paz are enriched by the contributions of many outstanding individuals — from conquistadors and revolutionaries to artists. Below are some of the key figures whose names are inextricably linked with the city.

• Hernán Cortés (1485–1547)

  Role: Spanish Conquistador.

  Significance: Although he was not a resident of the city, it was Cortés who led the expedition that landed in the bay on 3 May 1535, and made the first attempt to found a Spanish colony here named Santa Cruz. This moment is considered the starting point in the European history of La Paz.

• Manuel Márquez de León (1822–1890)

  Role: General, writer, politician.

  Significance: A native of the region, he was a prominent liberal figure of the 19th century, a participant in the Reform War and the struggle against French intervention. As a writer and journalist, he made a significant contribution to cultural life. His remains rest in the Rotunda of Illustrious Persons of Baja California Sur in La Paz.

• Rosaura Zapata Cano (1876–1963)

  Role: Innovative Educator.

  Significance: Born in La Paz, Rosaura Zapata became a national hero in the field of education. She is the founder of the kindergarten system in Mexico, and her methods had a huge influence on preschool education throughout the country. Her ashes are also located in the Rotunda of Illustrious Persons in La Paz.

• Agustín Olachea Avilés (1890–1973)

  Role: General and political figure.

  Significance: A participant in the Mexican Revolution, he twice served as Governor of Baja California Sur and was also the Secretary of National Defence of Mexico. His activities contributed to the development of infrastructure and agriculture in the region, including the opening of new valleys for development and the construction of important facilities.

• Manuel Ojeda (1940–2022)

  Role: Actor.

  Significance: Manuel Ojeda, born in La Paz, was one of the most recognisable and respected actors in Mexican cinema and television. Over his long career, he starred in hundreds of films and telenovelas, receiving prestigious awards, including the "Ariel" award for Best Actor.

• Dolores Heredia (born 1966)

  Role: Actress.

  Significance: A contemporary Mexican actress, born and raised in La Paz. She received recognition for her roles in films such as "Santitos" and "Rudo y Cursi". Dolores Heredia actively participates in cultural life and is one of the most famous contemporary artists hailing from Baja California Sur.