Durango (city)

Victoria de Durango is the capital city of the northern Mexican state of Durango.

It sits within the Valley of Guadiana on the northwestern edge of the Central Mexican Highlands. The city serves as the seat for the municipality of Durango. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 616,068 people. The wider municipality holds 688,697 residents. The official name, Victoria de Durango, honors Guadalupe Victoria. He was the first president of Mexico and a native of this state.

The city's location was chosen for specific economic and survival reasons. In 1563, the Spanish explorer Francisco de Ibarra founded the settlement.

He chose the site due to its proximity to the Cerro del Mercado. At the time, people believed this mountain contained large amounts of silver. Instead, the area proved to be an important source of iron. The site was also near the Franciscan mission at Analco. This mission provided essential resources like water, wood, and animals for hunting.

Before Spanish arrival, the region acted as a conduit for different cultures. This area sat between Aridoamerica and Mesoamerica. Approximately 2,000 years ago, nomadic people called the Nahoas moved into the area from the north. During the Post Classic period, the Zacatecans and Tepehuanos migrated here from the northwest.

These early inhabitants shaped the landscape long before the modern city was established. The city's layout was later organized by Alonso de Pacheco. He used specific streets to border the original town.

Durango has experienced many shifts in political power and influence. During the Spanish colonial era, it was the capital of the Nueva Vizcaya province. This province included much of what is now the states of Durango and Chihuahua. The city faced a period of near-abandonment in the 17th century. This happened because the provincial capital moved to Parral. However, the city began growing again around 1680. This growth occurred because the mines in Parral were running out. Additionally, the Spanish government successfully subdued native peoples, which reduced violence.

By 1738, Durango regained its role as the provincial capital.

The 18th century was a period of peak influence for the city. Mining various minerals in the nearby Sierra Madre Occidental created great wealth. This mining bonanza allowed for the construction of grand colonial-era buildings. The city's historic center features many Baroque style structures.

The city also faced significant hardship during the Mexican Revolution. In 1911, the city joined the revolution under the Arrieta brothers. Insurgents took the city in 1913 and burned many businesses. This led to an economic depression that lasted for decades. Afterward, the city began to expand outside its historical limits. The first new neighborhood, Colonia Obrera, was established in 1918.

The climate of Durango is classified as semi-arid, or BSk in the Köppen system.

The weather varies between the eastern and western parts of the city. The western side is more temperate, while the eastern side is drier. Winters are mild during the day but can be very cold at night. This is due to the high altitude and aridity. Frost is common during these months. Summers are warm to hot, with June being the hottest month. Most rain falls in the summer when the monsoon moves north. This brings moist air from the Gulf of California and the Gulf of Mexico. These summer afternoons often bring thunderstorms or hail.

Durango is also globally recognized for its connection to the film industry.

Commercial filmmaking began in the 1950s in the surrounding landscapes. Director Jack Smith found the La Ferrería Hacienda perfect for Western films. Many famous Hollywood and Mexican stars worked here. This includes John Wayne, who filmed seven movies in the area. He even bought a ranch called La Joya. While film production has diminished recently, the variety of landscapes remains a major attraction. Today, the city is a World Heritage Site. It is part of the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro.