Durango, Mexico

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an unmistakable Old Spanish air. Durango is an important commercial and industrial centre, involved mainly in processing local products.

History

The first settlement, unofficially called San Juan de Analco, was founded here in 1556 by Pater Diego de la Cadena. In 1563 it was officially named Durango by Francisco de Ibarra and Alonso Pacheco, but as late as the 18th c. it was still generally known as Villa de Guadiana. As a far-flung Spanish outpost frequented mainly by prospectors the town was long prone to attack by Indians, the Tepehuano especially. Peace was eventually secured in the 17th c. Durango's elevation to bishopric brought a considerable flowering culturally, but in the 19th c. the city suffered through economic stagnation. It is only in recent decades prosperity has returned.