Chalchihuites History

Chalchihuites is located in the northern Mexican state of Zacatecas, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains. Hundreds of years before Christ, when the Tropic of Cancer still passed through the area, Indian tribes constructed temples to honor the sun at the northernmost point of its journey, during the equinox. Archaeologists continue to excavate these sites, as well as the ruins of Toltec and Aztec fortresses constructed several centuries later. The Spaniards arrived on the scene in 1556, founding the village as a key outpost in their expansion northward.

Chalchihuites-meaning Place of the Precious Stones- grew rapidly on account of the silver and gold deposits discovered in the nearby hills.
The town was an important stop along the main road between Mexico City and Santa Fe, New Mexico, during the sixteenth century, when most of Chalchihuites's buildings were constructed.

The town of Chalchihuites played a significant role in the social phenomenon called “Guerra Cristera” (Cristera War). Distinguished people died as victims of the repression of the government of President Plutarco Elias Calles on July 29, 1929, and were considered martyrs of the movement for many years. Actually they are officially named the Martyr Saints of the town by the Catholic church. The Encyclopaedia Britannica describes the Cristera War as such:
“The Cristeros were part of a rebellion waged in western Mexico in response to what were considered vigorous anticlerical measures instituted by Mexico's President Plutarco Elías Calles. The church responded by suspending all religious ceremonies. Historians believe the church also approved and supported the Cristeros rebellion.”