Zacatecas

Lore & Background

The state name derives from its capital, Zacatecas, a Nahuatl word meaning 'where there is abundant zacate (grass).' Before the Spanish arrival, dominant ethnic groups included the Caxcans, Zacatecos, and Guachichils. The area remained dangerous due to indigenous uprisings, including the Mixtón War in the 1540s led by Tenamextle. The Spanish continued to push in because of silver wealth, making it a province of Nueva Galicia.

Reader's Guide

Zacatecas's significance stems from its mineral production, especially silver, which drove colonial development. The first boom lasted from the Conquest to the mid-17th century, and by the early 18th century the state produced one-fifth of the world's silver. This wealth supported elegant churches and mansions, making the area one of the most important of New Spain. During the Mexican War of Independence, Miguel Hidalgo's troops marched through twice. Silver production recovered to account for sixty percent of export revenue by the century's end. The state's geography includes rugged mountains, arid and semi-arid climates, and diverse ecosystems, with mining and agriculture remaining central to its economy.

Did You Know?

• The state seal depicts the Cerro de la Bufa, a landmark of the capital, with the Latin motto 'Labor omnia vincit' (Work conquers all).
• The state is part of two water basins: the Lerma River basin and a smaller endorheic basin that does not empty into any ocean.
• The extreme northern part of the state is the southern fringe of the Chihuahuan Desert, one of the most ecologically diverse deserts on earth.