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Chihuahua (state)

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Chihuahua is a very large state in northwestern Mexico.

Chihuahua in Mexico (1824)
Chihuahua in Mexico (1824)

It is known as "The Big State" because of its size. The state is actually larger than the United Kingdom. It sits near the United States border. To the north, it touches New Mexico and Texas. It shares borders with Sonora, Sinaloa, Durango, and Coahuila. The state name comes from its capital, Chihuahua City.

Deza y Ulloa
Deza y Ulloa

The land in Chihuahua is very diverse and rugged. Huge mountains called the Sierra Madre Occidental dominate the view.

CERRO DE MOHINORA
CERRO DE MOHINORA

This range holds the famous Copper Canyon. This canyon system is larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon. You can also find the Naica cave here. It is the largest crystal cave in Mexico.

Cueva de las Jarillas
Cueva de las Jarillas

The state also has many forests and wide river valleys. It is home to the Chihuahuan Desert as well.

People have lived in this region for thousands of years. Early hunter-gatherers lived near the Samalayuca Dune Fields. Later, the Mogollon culture built an advanced civilization. They created the center at Paquimé in Casas Grandes.

Casas Grande effigy pot p1070227
Casas Grande effigy pot p1070227

This site is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can also see ancient cliff dwellings in the canyons.

Cueva de las Jarillas
Cueva de las Jarillas

These people were skilled at farming and trading goods.

History has shaped the state in many ways. In 1640, the city of Parral produced the most silver in the world.

Acueducto Chihuahua - 02
Acueducto Chihuahua - 02

Later, the Spanish founded many towns and missions. A famous priest named Miguel Hidalgo was executed here in 1811.

ChihHidalgo1
ChihHidalgo1

This happened during the Mexican War of Independence. In 1864, Chihuahua City was even the capital of all Mexico. The state has seen many changes through these important years.

Today, Chihuahua is a busy place for many different things. It is a top state for exporting electronics and transport equipment. Three main cities drive the economy. Ciudad Juárez is a center for making goods. Chihuahua City is the state capital. Cuauhtémoc is a famous place for growing apples.

Angel chihuahua
Angel chihuahua

Many people also live near the Rio Grande and Conchos River valleys. You can even ride the "Chepe" train through the mountains.

Snowy landscape at Lake Arareco in the Tarahumara Mountains (Chihuahua, Mexico)
Snowy landscape at Lake Arareco in the Tarahumara Mountains (Chihuahua, Mexico)
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🖼️ Images & Media (65)
File:Morena logo (Mexico).svg
Morena logo (Mexico).svg
File:PT_Party_(Mexico).svg
PT_Party_(Mexico).svg
File:PAN Party (Mexico).svg
PAN Party (Mexico).svg
File:Casas Grande effigy pot p1070227.jpg
Casas Grande effigy pot p1070227.jpg
File:Cueva de las Jarillas.jpg
Cueva de las Jarillas.jpg
File:Deza y Ulloa.jpg
Deza y Ulloa.jpg
File:Acueducto Chihuahua - 02.JPG
Acueducto Chihuahua - 02.JPG
File:ChihHidalgo1.jpg
ChihHidalgo1.jpg
File:SnFco1.jpg
SnFco1.jpg
File:Chihuahua in Mexico (1824).svg
Chihuahua in Mexico (1824).svg
File:Comancheria.png
Comancheria.png
File:Oleo Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna.PNG
Oleo Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna.PNG

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