The 1800’s were turbulent time for Mexico, Sonora and Álamos.
The faded heydays of Álamos silver and trading wealth were in the
past. Confrontation was at the forefront along the northern frontier.
1800
2000 silver bars serve as remittance to Mexico.
Population estimate 9,000.
1800’s
Mexican colonists becoming dissatisfied with Spaniards.
1800’s
In the early 1800’s mines in La Aduana were reaching the
depth of the water table.
1803
Father Camilo Sanmartin, (San Martin?), finishes church.
He is paid 40,000 pesos for his efforts. Another account
states the church was finished in 1804 under the reign
of Charles the Fourth.
1804
Yaquis resume plundering raids on the Spanish.
Opatas, Seris, Apaches and Pimas over the coming years
would also advance in the central and northern districts
as Spanish troops were moved to head off the
battle of Independence.
1808
Famed German naturalist and explorer Alexander von Humboldt
visits the area of Álamos and La Aduana mines.
1808
Population estimate is 7,900 inhabitants.
1810
September 15 – Miguel Hildago y Castilla gives his nighttime
“Grito de Delores”, (Cry of Freedom), and the quest for Mexican
independence begins. Most of the Sonora, assuming this includes
Álamos, were in favor of Imperialists and Spain. During the next 11
years Sonorans, for the most part, stayed out of the war. During this
time they were fighting local Indians.
1821
Heavy war tax on quicksilver, used in mining, increases from
80 – 90 to 240 pesos.
1821
9-27-1821 – General Agustin de Iturbide, Spanish rule ends
and Mexico becomes an independent nation.
1821
Sinaloa and Sonora remain together in the early years
of Mexico.
1824
Sinaloa and Sonora are offically joined in the new
constitution of Estado Interno de Occidente.
1825
Juan Banderas, (Juan Jusacamea), leads Mayo and Yaquis
revolt. Indian prisoners are put to death in Álamos.
1825
population estimate of 5,000 – 7,000.
1827
Indians sue for peace. The Sonoran governor agreed to forgive and
forget. He had little choice fearing civil unrest and faced with
diminishing funds.
1827
Álamos is declared capital of Estado del Occidente,
a newly created state.
1828
Governor Jose Maria Gaxiola makes Álamos his official residence.
1828 – 1829
Don Jose Maria Almada, owner of Quinterra and Balbanera mines in La
Aduana, is off-and-on Provisional Vice – Governor. he and his brothers
also own many haciendas in Álamos which remains the wealthiest town
north of Guadalajara.
1828
The first mint in Alamos was established by D. Leonardo Santoyo, with
a concession or grant, obtained from the federal government,
permitting him to coin only copper coins. Coinage was produced
only in 1828 and 1829 since the copper coins were not accepted
by the people. (Information from ‘The Mexican Mints of Alamos
and Hermosillo’, by A.F.’Pradeau, 1934)
1831
March 15 – A separation decree reconstitutes and Sonora
as separate states.
1832
Álamos incorporated into Sonora. The citizens of Álamos voted in
favor of joining Sonora and the Federal Congress agreed.
1832
Yaquis revolt again. Their goal is to drive the “Yori”, (whites), out.
1838
Petty civil wars involve Jose Urrea – Federalist and governor of the
State: favored self government by the states. Manual Maria Gandara –
Centralist and Commandante General favored states become departments
of federal government. Centralists were the church’s party of choice.
1838
General Urrea enters Álamos with 700 men and demands 50,000 pesos.
1841
Capilla De Zapopan is built on Calle Hidalgo by Don Ignacio Almada
y Alvarado for Doña Juana Mallen.
1846 – 1848
Mexican – American war. It is a time of more taxes, disrupted
business and Álamos men called into the army.
1847
Beisbol was introduced to Mexico in 1847 by American soldiers
during the Mexican War. Americans overseeing railroad construction
also encouraged Mexican workers laying track to play beisbol.
1848
Álamos is selected as one of two places to have primary and
secondary education. Professor Gregorio Almada, European
educated, was the founder and director. The school was first
named Seminario Angol-Español.
1849
January 15 – Disastrous battle. Álamos troops pursue Apaches.
Álamos, Ures, and Hermosilo are each taxed 7,000 pesos.
1849
Population estimate 4,000 – 4,300. Trade has shifted from the
El Camino Real to the ocean ports.
1849 – 1851
Severe cholera outbreak. Hundreds die and hundreds leave town.
The 1800’s continue with the 1850 – 1899 timeline
♦ Other Álamos, Sonora Mexico timelines:
This is a work in progress.
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