Guanajuato City: Origin, Meaning, and Toponymy. What Was Its First Name?
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Table of Contents
Introduction
The beautiful Guanajuato City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, holds a rich history and deep meaning within its name.
Have you ever wondered what Guanajuato City’s first name was or what GTO. means? Here, you’ll dive into the fascinating toponymy of Guanajuato City and the historical origin that has shaped the identity of this iconic city throughout the centuries.
The Evolution of the Name: From Real de Minas to Capital City
The history of Guanajuato City and the evolution of its name are as rich as its silver veins.
In 1741, by order of King Philip V of Spain, it was granted the title of “Very Noble and Loyal City of Santa Fe and Royal Mining Town of Guanajuato” (Muy Noble y Leal Ciudad de Santa Fe y Real de Minas de Guanajuato), with the arrival of the first mayor, Preafán de Rivera y Gómez.
Years earlier, on October 26, 1679, by decree of Viceroy Enrique de Rivera, it had received the title of Villa, adopting the name “Villa de Santa Fe y Real de Minas de Guanajuato”. By 1790, the growing population was already declared an intendancy.
Spanish colonization in this area expanded through land grants. Rodrigo Vázquez received properties for mining exploitation, while Andrés López de Céspedes and Juanes de Garnica obtained cattle ranches, laying the groundwork for the region’s settlement and development.
Indigenous Resistance and the City’s Foundation
The Chichimecas: Guardians of the Territory
A fundamental aspect of Guanajuato City’s history is the resistance of its original inhabitants. The Chichimecas of the region never submitted to the Spanish authority, and their constant assaults on the newly established settlements were a force to be reckoned with.
To protect the valuable mining activities, four key fortresses were built: Santiago, Santa Ana, Santa Fe, and Tepetapa, which over time evolved into the neighborhoods we know today.
The fortress of Real de Santa Fe, being the most prosperous, was established as the head of the other three and was crucial for the definitive settlement of the capital city in 1554.
Under the orders of Philip II, houses were distributed irregularly and on uneven terrain, giving rise to the famous narrow streets, passages, tunnels, squares, and corridors that characterize Guanajuato City.
In 1679, by order of Charles II, the iconic Plaza Mayor of the Villa was established with land ceded by the Spanish colonizing neighbors.
Among the first religious constructions, the bright yellow parish church of Nuestra Señora de Guanajuato stands out, along with the first convent, San Diego de Alcalá, located next to the renowned Juárez Theater.
Mining Wealth and its Impact on Development
Gold and Silver: Pillars of Opulence
Guanajuato City was not just an important settlement; it was an economic powerhouse. During the 17th century, this region consolidated its position as the world’s leading silver producer, surpassing other mining centers like Zacatecas, Fresnillo, and San Luis Potosí. This immense mineral wealth, derived from gold and silver exploitation, propelled unprecedented development in the city.
The opulence achieved in the 18th century was impressively manifested in its civil and religious architecture. Notable examples include the first chapel blessed in 1555, belonging to the Hospital de los Indios Otomíes, and the oratory of the Colegio de Compañía de Jesús, founded around 1589 and located next to the University of Guanajuato.
By 1810, this historic city, driven by its imposing mines, was extracting a quarter of the world’s silver production, a milestone that cemented its global relevance.
From Colony to Independent Mexico
With the advent of independent Mexico and the promulgation of the first Mexican Constitution in 1824, during the First Federal Republic, Guanajuato City was elevated to a new status: it became the Capital City of the Free and Sovereign State of Guanajuato, thus consolidating its preeminent place in the new nation.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was Guanajuato City’s first name?
The first official name recorded for Guanajuato City, in its villa category, was “Villa de Santa Fe y Real de Minas de Guanajuato”, granted in 1679. Later, in 1741, it received the title of “Muy Noble y Leal Ciudad de Santa Fe y Real de Minas de Guanajuato.”
What does Guanajuato mean (GTO meaning)?
The name “Guanajuato” comes from the Purepecha word “Quanaxhuato”, meaning “Hilly place of frogs” or “Place where frogs abound”. Abbreviations like GTO. commonly refer to the state or Guanajuato City.
What is Toponymy?
The toponymy of Guanajuato City refers to the study of the origin and meaning of its name. This name has pre-Hispanic (Purepecha) roots and has evolved throughout Mexico’s colonial and modern history, reflecting its geography and mining past.
Image: Jéssica de la Portilla Montaño.
