Tuxtla Gutierrez history

The history of the city of Tuxtla Gutierrez, located in the southeast of Mexico, is rooted in the pre-Hispanic era. Long before the arrival of Europeans, the Zoque people flourished in this territory, founding a settlement here called Coyatoc, which translates as "the place where there are many rabbits". At the end of the 15th century, in 1486, the Aztecs conquered the region, and the name was changed to its Nahuatl equivalent — Tochtlán. After the Spanish colonization in the 16th century, the toponym was transformed into "Tuxtla", which was more familiar to the Spanish tongue.

A key factor in the city's development was its strategic position in a valley that historically served as a crossroads for trade and cultural routes. However, the decisive event in its history was the transfer of the capital of the state of Chiapas to Tuxtla on August 11, 1892. This new status provided a powerful impetus for administrative, economic, and demographic growth, turning the city into the main business and political centre of the region. In 1848, the surname "Gutierrez" was added to the name "Tuxtla" in honour of Joaquín Miguel Gutiérrez, a local native and prominent political figure, which further emphasized its growing importance.

Initially, Tuxtla's economy was based on agriculture, which was characteristic of the indigenous communities. Over time, especially after obtaining capital status, the city began to concentrate the financial and commodity flows of the entire state. The city's cultural heritage was formed under the influence of the traditions of the indigenous Zoque people and Spanish colonisers, which is reflected in local architecture, cuisine, and festivals. Today, Tuxtla Gutierrez is a dynamically developing metropolis that nevertheless carefully preserves the memory of its rich historical past.

Key Dates in the History of Tuxtla Gutierrez

• 1486 — The Aztecs conquer the Zoque settlement of Coyatoc and rename it Tochtlán, which also means "place of rabbits" in the Nahuatl language.
• 16th Century — Spanish colonisers adapt the name, and the city becomes known as Tuxtla.
• October 29, 1813 — The settlement receives the official status of a *villa* (small town).
• July 27, 1829 — Governor Emeterio Pineda grants Tuxtla the status of a city (*ciudad*).
• March 31, 1848 — The city is renamed Tuxtla Gutierrez in honour of Joaquín Miguel Gutiérrez, a former governor of the state.
• August 11, 1892 — The capital of the state of Chiapas is officially moved to Tuxtla Gutierrez, giving impetus to its development.
• 1910 — The first public library opens in the city, contributing to the cultural development of the region.
• 1915 — The municipality of Tuxtla Gutierrez is officially established.
• 1941 — Construction of the Pan-American Highway is completed, passing through the city and improving its transport accessibility.
• July 24, 1965 — The Catholic Diocese of Tuxtla Gutierrez is established with its centre at St. Mark's Cathedral.

Major Milestones in the City's Development

The evolution of the city of Tuxtla Gutierrez from a small settlement into a dynamic metropolis is inextricably linked with the history of southern Mexico. Below are the key stages that defined the modern economic and urban appearance of the capital of the state of Chiapas.

• Acquiring Capital Status (1892). The transfer of the administrative centre from San Cristóbal de las Casas was a turning point. This decision shifted the political and economic focus of the region to the valley, stimulating an influx of officials, merchants, and intellectuals, which required the first large-scale expansion of urban development.
• Road Revolution (1940s). The construction of the Pan-American Highway, which passed through the city, brought it out of geographical isolation. The appearance of a reliable transport artery turned the city into the main logistical hub of the region, connecting it with the centre of the country and neighbouring Guatemala.
• Energy Boom (1970–1980s). The construction of a cascade of hydroelectric power stations on the Grijalva River (including the Chicoasén Dam) in the vicinity of the city attracted huge federal investments and qualified specialists. This turned the city into the headquarters of the energy sector of the south of the country and accelerated the modernisation of infrastructure.
• Cultural Institutionalisation (1980–1990s). During this period, the city actively formed its tourism and cultural image. The opening of iconic facilities, such as the ZOOMAT zoo and Marimba Park, as well as the construction of modern museums and theatres, secured its status as the cultural heart of the state.
• Vertical Growth and Modernisation (21st Century). The beginning of the new millennium was marked by a transition to modern urbanism. The construction of the "Torre Chiapas" skyscraper, large shopping malls, and hotels of international chains symbolised the city's integration into the global economy and the transition to the service sector as the basis of prosperity.

The architectural appearance of Tuxtla Gutierrez is a reflection of its history as a young administrative centre that experienced its main growth in the 20th century. Unlike many other Mexican cities, almost no expressive examples of colonial architecture have been preserved here. The cityscape is formed primarily by buildings in the styles of modernism, functionalism, and contemporary structures, which emphasises its business and administrative character.

Early Period and Neoclassical Features

The historical core of the city is concentrated around the central square, however, most of the old buildings have been rebuilt or replaced. The most significant architectural monument of this period is St. Mark's Cathedral (Catedral de San Marcos). Although its history begins in the 16th century, the cathedral acquired its modern appearance as a result of numerous reconstructions. Its current façade is designed in a neoclassical style, characteristic of the renovations of the 19th and 20th centuries. A striking feature of the cathedral is the bell tower with a carillon, added in 1982, whose mechanical figures of the apostles go on parade every hour accompanied by music.

20th Century Modernism and Functionalism

The status of state capital, obtained in 1892, and the construction of the Pan-American Highway in the mid-20th century gave a powerful impetus to urban development. During this period, key administrative and public buildings were erected, defining the modern look of the centre.

• Government Palace (Palacio de Gobierno) — an example of functional architecture of the mid-20th century, characterised by strict lines and monumentality, intended to symbolise power and stability.
• Municipal Palace (Palacio Municipal) — another building of this period, supporting the modernist ensemble of the city centre.
• The urban layout became more structured, with wide avenues and new districts designed for a growing population.

Contemporary Architecture and Iconic Landmarks

Since the end of the 20th century, large-scale modern projects have appeared in Tuxtla Gutierrez, becoming new symbols of the city and demonstrating its economic growth.

• Chiapas Tower (Torre Chiapas) — the tallest skyscraper in the city and the entire southeast of Mexico, becoming the dominant feature of the business district and a symbol of the region's modern economy.
• Polyforum Chiapas — a large exhibition and concert complex with expressive modern architecture, designed for hosting mass events.
• Christ of Copoya (Cristo de Copoya) — a monumental structure on one of the hills surrounding the city. This giant cross, completed in the 21st century, is not only a religious symbol but also a significant work of modern architecture and engineering.
• Church of Guadalupe (Iglesia de Guadalupe) — an example of modern church architecture, resembling a concert hall more than a traditional temple.

Distinguished Figures Associated with the City

The history of Tuxtla Gutierrez is marked by the activities of many outstanding individuals who made significant contributions to politics, culture, and art not only in the city and the state of Chiapas but throughout Mexico. Below are some of the key figures whose lives and work were closely linked to this land.

• Joaquín Miguel Gutiérrez (1796–1838) — a politician and military leader, one of the most iconic figures in the city's history. He was a convinced federalist and served as governor of the state of Chiapas. Gutiérrez died defending federalist ideals. In 1848, the surname "Gutiérrez" was added to the name of the city of Tuxtla in his honour.
• Jaime Sabines (1926–1999) — one of the greatest Mexican poets of the 20th century, born in Tuxtla Gutierrez. His work, known for its conversational style and deep humanism, touched on themes of love, death, and everyday life, earning him nationwide love and recognition.
• Eraclio Zepeda (1937–2015) — a writer, poet, and political figure, a native of Tuxtla Gutierrez. In his works, he often turned to the oral traditions and folklore of Chiapas, for which he gained wide fame as a talented storyteller.
• Juan Sabines Gutiérrez (1920–1987) — an influential politician, brother of the poet Jaime Sabines. He served as mayor of Tuxtla Gutierrez and later became governor of the state of Chiapas (1979–1982). His activities as governor left a noticeable mark on the development of the region.
• Enoch Cancino Casahonda (1928–2010) — a poet, politician, and scholar born in Tuxtla Gutierrez. He was the municipal president (mayor) of Tuxtla Gutierrez and a member of the Mexican Academy of Language. His contribution covers both the literary and public life of the city.
• Óscar Oliva (1938–) — a renowned poet born in Tuxtla Gutierrez. He is a representative of the influential literary generation "La Espiga Amotinada" and made a significant contribution to Mexican poetry in the second half of the 20th century.
• Eliseo Mellanes Castellanos (1916–?) — a writer, historian, poet, and official chronicler of Tuxtla Gutierrez. A native of the city, he dedicated his life to studying and describing its history and culture, publishing, among other things, the poem "To Tuxtla" ("A Tuxtla").