Manzanillo history

Foundation and First Mentions

The European history of Manzanillo began in 1522, when the Spanish captain Gonzalo de Sandoval, acting under the orders of Hernán Cortés, dropped anchor in the Bay of Salagua. The explorers were seeking a safe harbour and resources for further expeditions. The location received its modern name due to the abundance of manzanilla trees (Hippomane mancinella) that the conquistadors discovered on the coast and utilized in shipbuilding.

Key Development Factors

The development of the city from a temporary anchorage into a major maritime hub was driven by several strategic factors:

• Geography: A natural deep-water harbour provided ships with excellent protection from Pacific storms, making it an ideal location for fleet anchorage.
• Shipbuilding: Manzanillo became the site of one of the first shipyards in Latin America on the Pacific coast. It was here that brigantines were built for expeditions.
• Maritime Routes: The port quickly acquired the status of a key point for launching expeditions to the north (to the Gulf of California) and to the west (to the Philippines).

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early colonial period, the region's economy was entirely oriented towards the sea. Manzanillo served not only as a shipyard but also as a supply point for the famous Manila galleons. Cultural life was formed around the port: the paths of sailors, merchants, and explorers crossed here. Besides servicing the fleet, local residents engaged in fishing and pearl diving, which formed the basis of economic activity until the beginning of the port's large-scale industrialisation in the 19th century.

Age of Discovery and Colonial Period

• 1522 — Spanish captain Gonzalo de Sandoval discovers the Bay of Salagua, which would later become part of modern Manzanillo.
• 1527 — By order of Hernán Cortés, the expedition of Álvaro de Saavedra Cerón sets sail from here to the Moluccas.
• 1564 — The flotilla of Miguel López de Legazpi departs from the port for the colonisation of the Philippine Islands.
• 1579 — The famous English privateer Francis Drake enters the bay during his circumnavigation of the globe.

Establishment of the City and Port

• 1825 — Manzanillo officially receives the status of a seaport open to foreign trade.
• 1848 — The settlement receives the administrative status of "Villa" (small town) and becomes the centre of the municipality.
• 1873 — The settlement is officially granted the status of a city (Ciudad).
• 1889 — Construction of the railway line connecting the port with the city of Colima is completed, accelerating trade turnover.
• 1908 — President Porfirio Díaz solemnly inaugurates new port facilities and a direct railway link with Guadalajara.

20th Century and Modernity

• 1945 — Manzanillo becomes the headquarters of the Mexican Naval Force in the Pacific.
• 1959 — The city survives a devastating hurricane, after which large-scale reconstruction and infrastructure modernisation begin.
• 1974 — Construction of the famous Las Hadas hotel complex is completed, transforming Manzanillo into an elite tourist resort.
• 1979 — The Hollywood film "10" starring Bo Derek is released; filming took place in Manzanillo, bringing global fame to the resort.
• 2010s — The Port of Manzanillo consolidates its leadership as the busiest container port in Mexico.

Key Milestones in Manzanillo's Development

• Opening of the port to foreign trade (1825). The official granting of seaport status became the foundation of the city's economy. This event legalised commercial activity, turning the former ship repair station into a customs hub and stimulating the construction of the first administrative infrastructure.
• Railway Integration (1908). The completion of the branch line to Guadalajara and the opening of port facilities by President Porfirio Díaz connected the coast with the centre of Mexico. This transformation made Manzanillo the country's main Pacific gateway, ensuring the mass export of agricultural produce and the import of industrial goods.
• Urban Renewal (post-1959). A devastating hurricane became the catalyst for a complete reconstruction of the urban environment. Restoration was carried out taking into account new safety and planning requirements, leading to the modernisation of residential areas, the strengthening of the coastline, and the creation of a modern road network.
• Creation of a Tourism Brand (1974). The construction of the luxury "Las Hadas" complex by billionaire Antenor Patiño radically changed the city's image. Manzanillo ceased to be exclusively an industrial centre, transforming into a world-class elite resort and attracting foreign investment in the hospitality sector.
• Energy Industrialisation (1980s — 2010s). The commissioning of a large thermal power plant and a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal diversified the region's economy. The city became a strategic energy hub, providing electricity to a significant part of western Mexico.
• Global Leadership in Logistics (21st Century). Massive expansion of container terminals and dredging works allowed the port to accept Post-Panamax class vessels. This secured Manzanillo's status as the busiest port in Mexico and a key link in the trade chain with Asia.

Urban Structure and Zoning

The urban development of Manzanillo is dictated by the complex terrain and the dual nature of the city, which is simultaneously Mexico's largest commercial port and a popular resort. The urban area is divided into two clearly defined zones, separated by hills and waterways:

• Port and Historic Zone: Located around Manzanillo Bay. Here lie the old city centre, administrative buildings, and port terminals.
• Tourist Zone (Bahía de Santiago): Stretches north along the coast. It is characterised by resort developments, hotels, villas, and golf courses.

Historic Centre: Neoclassicism and Vernacular Architecture

The central part of the city, formed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, is distinguished by the simplicity and functionality characteristic of tropical port cities.

• Style: A blend of simplified colonial style and provincial neoclassicism.
• Features: A predominance of white in facade finishes, which helps reflect sunlight and lower indoor temperatures. Thanks to this, Manzanillo is often called the "White City".
• Landmarks: Jardín Álvaro Obregón — the heart of the historic centre with a traditional bandstand (kiosk) and fountains, surrounded by buildings with covered arcades (portales), typical of Mexican architecture.

Resort Architecture: Mediterranean Style and Moorish Motifs

In the 1970s, the architectural appearance of the tourist part of Manzanillo underwent radical changes that created the resort's recognisable brand.

• Era: Second half of the 20th century (1970s).
• Style: Organic architecture with elements of Moorish and Mediterranean styles.
• Landmark Object: The Las Hadas ("The Fairies") complex. Designed by Spanish architect José Luis Ezquerra, this site became the architectural dominant of the coast. Snow-white towers, domes, arches, and winding cobbled streets create the effect of a fairytale Arabian city. This style influenced many subsequent buildings in the Santiago Peninsula zone.

Modernity: Modernism and Monumentalism

The modern stage of the city's development is associated with the expansion of the port and the renovation of the city embankment (malecón).

• Style: Functionalism and modern urban design.
• Features: Construction of modern shopping centres and high-rise condominiums along the beaches. In the port zone, industrial aesthetics dominate: giant cranes and container terminals are an integral part of the landscape.
• Landmark Object: The sculpture "Sailfish" (Pez Vela). Created by sculptor Sebastián (Enrique Carbajal), this monumental geometry in bright blue, standing 25 metres tall, has become the main symbol of modern Manzanillo, combining abstract art with the city's maritime identity.

Historical Figures and Explorers

• Gonzalo de Sandoval — Spanish Conquistador and Captain. In 1522, fulfilling the commission of Hernán Cortés, he discovered the Bay of Salagua (part of modern Manzanillo). He is considered the discoverer of this area for Europeans, having assessed its strategic potential as a safe harbour.
• Álvaro de Saavedra Cerón — Navigator and Explorer. In 1527, he led one of the first expeditions departing from the port of Manzanillo across the Pacific Ocean to the Moluccas, which cemented the city's status as an important starting point for sea voyages to the East.
• Porfirio Díaz — President of Mexico and Political Figure. Played a key role in the industrialisation of the city. In 1908, he personally arrived in Manzanillo for the ceremonial opening of the railway connecting the port with Guadalajara, and new port facilities, which gave a powerful impetus to the economic development of the region.

Creators of the Modern Image and Culture

• Antenor Patiño — Bolivian Tycoon and Visionary. In the 1970s, he invested enormous funds into the construction of the luxury resort complex "Las Hadas". It was thanks to his project that Manzanillo transformed from a purely industrial port into a world-class elite tourist destination.
• José Luis Ezquerra de la Colina — Distinguished Architect. Author of the architectural project for the Las Hadas hotel. His unique style, combining surrealism and Moorish motifs, became the calling card of Manzanillo's tourist zone and influenced the development of the entire coast.
• Enrique Carbajal "Sebastián" — Monumentalist Sculptor. Creator of the famous "Sailfish" (Pez Vela) sculpture installed in the city centre. This work became the main visual symbol of Manzanillo, reflecting its status as the "World Capital of Sailfish Fishing".

Contemporaries

• David Andrade — Professional Athlete. A footballer born in Manzanillo. He plays in the top division of Mexican football, representing the city in the national sports arena.