Historical Timeline

1540s – Fray Juan de San Miguel establishes his missionary settlement. It is named San Miguel de las Chichimecas and is destroyed in 1551.

1552 -  Friar Bernard Cossin, successor to Juan de San Miguel, moves the settlement a few kilometers to the east, where it is more secure and enjoys a reliable water source from El Chorro, a natural spring.

1600s – The town is renamed San Miguel el Grande. Its location along the Antigua Camino Real, the route from the silver mines of Guanajuato, Zacatecas and San Louis Potosi to Mexico city, spurs tremendous growth and wealth among land owners, ranchers and businessmen.

1750 – San Miguel el Grande gains the reputation as one of wealthiest and largest settlements in "New Spain", due largely to the impact of the silver trade.

1810 – The town earns the moniker "Birthplace of Mexican Independence" when Father Miguel Hidalgo, the parish priest of the nearby town of Dolores Hidalgo, joins forces with Ignacio Allende, the captain of the San Miguel militia, and leads many victories. 

1821- San Miguel el Grande becomes the first town to be freed from Spanish Rule

1826 – The town is officially renamed San Miguel de Allende after General Ignacio Allende, hero of the Mexico War of Independence, born in San Miguel.

1890 – Following the War of Independence, the town falls into an economic lull until 1890 and despite a brief spurt of growth this continues, with the 1900s seeing the silver output decline dramatically.

1910 – 1921 The Revolution

1926 – San Miguel is declared a National Monument and "Historic and Protected Town" by Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History, and strict guidelines for architecture and development are set.

1940s – Artists begin to frequent the town; the Bellas Artes and the Instituto Allende, two local schools offering classes in art, history and culture, are established. They still operate today.

1950s - La Gruta, a mineral spring known for its healing qualities, positions San Miguel as a popular tourist destination. Adding to the draw of San Miguel are famous Mexican entertainers like Cantinflas who frequent the town.

Today, San Miguel's 400 year old history, exquisite Spanish Colonial architecture, fountains and hidden courtyards combined with true Mexican traditions make it a rare treasure. Sitting at 6,400 feet above sea level in the Sierra Madre mountains, the town enjoys a mild climate year round. The population of over 110,000 is made-up of approximately five percent expatriates from the United States, Canada and Europe.

And while the multi-cultural population has added to the breadth of offerings in the city, which includes over 100 restaurants, countless galleries, and even a weekly English newspaper, life is still very much Mexican. Siesta still takes place from 2 to 4pm, bullfighting season is awaited with much anticipation and the main square is where the locals gather to exchange news and socialize.

San Miguel's recognition as a National Monument has ensured that there are no traffic lights, franchise restaurants or billboards, and the colonial architecture is protected and courtyards are left lush with Bougainvillea and Jasmine.

On any given day, visitors and locals can visit ranches, vineyards, thermal baths, and numerous historic sites, including: the Santuario de Atotonilco; the soaring spires of La Parroquia Church, designed by a self-taught Indian mason inspired by postcards of European cathedrals; or the Baroque inspired home of Ignacio Allende, local hero of San Miguel and Mexico's fight for independence. 

Those with a green thumb can stroll through Juarez Park, the Orchid Garden or the Jardín Botánico with hundreds of species of succulents and cacti.

Budding artists might opt for a private tour of galleries or spend the afternoon at the Fábrica La Aurora, an old textile mill that now houses artist studios. For the culinary aficionado, no trip would be complete without a stop at the market to buy chilis, cacti and fresh queso followed by a cooking class with a local chef.   

Then, of course, there are the fiestas which seem to be happening almost every week, and almost always include fireworks and dance.