Home > Veracruz

The city of Veracruz is a major port city in the Mexican state of Veracruz. It is located 105 kilometers (65 miles) along federal highway 140 from the state capital, Xalapa, and is the state's second most populous city (after Orizaba), with a population of about 500,000 in 2000. It is often referred to as Puerto de Veracruz or Veracruz Ciudad to distinguish it from the state; it is also (formally) known as Veracruz Llave.

The sea port was founded by Hernán Cortés, who first landed there in 1519 at the start of his quest to conquer Mexico for Spain. It was named La Villa Rica de la Vera Cruz ("The Rich Town of the True Cross"). It was the main port of New Spain, the port where silver from the mines of Mexico was loaded onto the Spanish treasure fleets for shipment to Spain. The port was harassed by hostile powers and by pirates; pirate bands succeeded in pillaging the city in 1653 and in 1712Events Treaty of Aargau signed between Catholic and Protestants. Introduced Protestant faith in Switzerland. Thomas Newcomen builds the first piston-operated steam engine at Tipton, Staffordshire, UK. Ongoing events Great Northern War ( 1700- 1721) War of. In response to such dangers the large fortress of San Juan de UlúaSan Juan de Ulua is a large fortress on an island overlooking the seaport of Veracruz, Mexico. It was built in the Spanish colonial era, starting in 1565. It was expanded several times later. For much of the 19th century it served as a prison, especially was built on an island in the harbor, beginning in 1565Events March 1 the city of Rio de Janeiro is founded April 27 Cebu City is established becoming the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines. August 28 St. Augustine, Florida (named after St. Augustine), established. It is the oldest remaining European and substantially expanded several times later.

Veracruz is the Gulf's fifth largest Mexican city and an important port on Mexico's east coast. A natural harbor, Veracruz has been fought over throughout its history, and boasts the title "Four Times Heroic" in reference to the expulsion of the Spanish in 1815Events January 3 Austria, Britain, and France form a secret defensive alliance treaty against Prussia and Russia. January 8 War of 1812: Battle of New Orleans February 3 The first commercial cheese factory is founded in Switzerland February 6 New Jersey g, the 1838Events January 6 Samuel Morse first publicly demonstrates the telegraph. January 8 Alfred Vail demonstrates a telegraph using dots and dashes (this is the forerunner of Morse code) January 12 Joseph Smith, Jr. and Sidney Rigdon flee Ohio for Missouri Marc occupation of the French Navy in the Pastry WarThe Pastry War ( Spanish: Guerra de los pasteles was an invasion of Mexico by French forces in 1838. The war arose from the widespread civil disorder that plagued the early years of the Mexican republic. Foreigners whose property was damaged or destroyed, and resistance to the United States's occupations of 1847 and 1914.

During the Mexican-American War, US forces led by Gen. Winfield Scott took the city on March 29, 1847 after a siege. It was captured by France in 1838 and again in 1861. In 1914 it was occupied by the United States for 7 months, this time under Major General Frederick Funston.

The railroad connecting Veracruz to Mexico City, 264 miles inland over mountain ranges, was constructed during the administration of Benito Juárez and inaugurated in 1873.

The city is known for its rich traditions of music, including marimba bands, and danzonera , comparsa, and la bamba.

The malecón harbor-front walk along the docks draws many tourists, more from within Mexico than foreigners.