Monterrey

Although it has developed into a modern city the old-Spanish atmosphere can still be found in its narrow alleys, flat-roofed houses and picturesque patios. The climate is hot and dry in summer, damp and cold in winter. Monterrey is a totally Spanish town with no evidence of Indian influence.

History

The area around Monterrey has no pre-Columbian history; unfortunately, the nomads who roamed the region left little trace of themselves.

The first Spaniards arrived here in 1584 under Luis Carvajal de la Cueva and established the outpost of Ojos de Santa Lucia against the Indians; it was not until eleven years later, however, that twelve Spanish families led by Diego de Montemayor finally settled here and called the place Ciudad de Nuestra Señora de Monterrey after the then viceroy the Count of Monterrey. The isolated settlement, which could only boast 258 inhabitants in 1775, often had to defend itself against attacks by the nomadic Indians. During the war between Mexico and the USA it was occupied by American troops in 1846 and again in 1864 during the War of Intervention by French troops. Not until 1882, when the rail link between Laredo and Monterrey was established, did the town experience an upswing which has continued undiminished ever since.

In September 1988, as a result of Hurricane Gilbert which swept across the town, rainfall was so heavy that the Santa Catarina river burst its banks; the resulting floods carried away four fully-occupied buses in their wake. More than 200 people probably drowned at this time. The flooding also caused some damage to the town.

Economy

Thanks to its excellent communications Monterrey has become a major centre of heavy industry and it is also an important producer of consumer goods; its principal products include glass, cement, synthetic materials, and foodstuffs. In its Instituto Tecnológico Monterrey possesses one of the largest and best technological universities in Latin America.

Sights

As Monterrey only became of particular importance one hundred years ago it offers little in the way of colonial art. Nevertheless, the lively town and its surroundings have attracted many tourists, mainly from the USA.