San Luis Potosi Attractions
Mexican State
The centrally-situated state of San Luis Potosí borders the states of Zacatecas, Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Hidalgo, Querétaro and Guanajuato. The eastern part of the state is crossed by mountain chains of the Sierra Madre Oriental, while the centre and the west consists of a dry plateau. The inhabitants are mainly Criollos, mestizos and Indios from the Otomí, Nahua, Huastec and Pame tribes.
El Tamuin, El Tomohil and El Ebano are among the state's most important archaeological sites.
History
The east of the state was influenced by the important Huastec culture during the pre-Columbian period; in the second half of the 16th c. the Huastecs were made to pay tribute to the Aztecs. The remaining parts of the state were populated by semi-nomadic tribes such as the Cuachichiles, the Pames, the Guamares, the Copucas, the Nahuas and the Otomí, of which only a few have survived.
The Spanish, under Hernán Cortés, had reached the east of the present state by 1522. Some 70 years later precious metals were discovered in the region and mined with the help of the Tlaxcaltecs who had migrated here. People from the state played very important roles during the War of Independence (1810-21). In 1824 the period of Intendancy (Spanish government rule) which had existed until then, was abolished and various states evolved, among them the present San Luis Potosí.
Economy
The state is rich in salt and minerals, chiefly gold, silver, copper, lead, mercury and zinc. As well as the important contribution made by cattle breeding, its agricultural economy also relies on sugar-cane, coffee, tobacco, grain, corn, beans and cotton produced in the tropical lowlands and irrigated areas. Industry is chiefly located in the main town and comprises tanning, founding, milling and brewing, as well as textile and furniture factories.
Sights
In addition to the capital San Luis Potosí and its surroundings, the state's archaeological sites and Ciudad Valles and Tamanzunchale are worth mentioning.
The centrally-situated state of San Luis Potosí borders the states of Zacatecas, Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Hidalgo, Querétaro and Guanajuato. The eastern part of the state is crossed by mountain chains of the Sierra Madre Oriental, while the centre and the west consists of a dry plateau. The inhabitants are mainly Criollos, mestizos and Indios from the Otomí, Nahua, Huastec and Pame tribes.
El Tamuin, El Tomohil and El Ebano are among the state's most important archaeological sites.
History
The east of the state was influenced by the important Huastec culture during the pre-Columbian period; in the second half of the 16th c. the Huastecs were made to pay tribute to the Aztecs. The remaining parts of the state were populated by semi-nomadic tribes such as the Cuachichiles, the Pames, the Guamares, the Copucas, the Nahuas and the Otomí, of which only a few have survived.
The Spanish, under Hernán Cortés, had reached the east of the present state by 1522. Some 70 years later precious metals were discovered in the region and mined with the help of the Tlaxcaltecs who had migrated here. People from the state played very important roles during the War of Independence (1810-21). In 1824 the period of Intendancy (Spanish government rule) which had existed until then, was abolished and various states evolved, among them the present San Luis Potosí.
Economy
The state is rich in salt and minerals, chiefly gold, silver, copper, lead, mercury and zinc. As well as the important contribution made by cattle breeding, its agricultural economy also relies on sugar-cane, coffee, tobacco, grain, corn, beans and cotton produced in the tropical lowlands and irrigated areas. Industry is chiefly located in the main town and comprises tanning, founding, milling and brewing, as well as textile and furniture factories.
Sights
In addition to the capital San Luis Potosí and its surroundings, the state's archaeological sites and Ciudad Valles and Tamanzunchale are worth mentioning.
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Real de Catorce
Real de Catorce is a former mining town, which at one time had a population of 45,000. Today this small village, home to the church of San Francisco, is an important pilgrimage site.
Matehuala, Mexico
Matehuala ("place of the green water"; 1614 m (5264 ft); population 75,000; fiestas: January 8th, Fiesta del Cristo de Matehuala; June 13th, Día de San Antonio), 130km/81mi north of San Luis Potosí, has little of interest but is a convenient place to stay overnight.
