Cadereyta de Montes facts for kids
| Location | 20°41′28″N 99°49′08″W / 20.691°N 99.819°W | |
| Municipal president | Astrid Ortega Vázquez (2024-2027) | |
| Surface | 1,131 square kilometres (437 sq mi) | |
| Population (2005) | 57,204 | |
| Time zone (UTC) | -6 UTC CST | |
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Cadereyta de Montes is a city and a municipality in the Mexican state of Querétaro. It is the second largest municipality in the state.
The city was started in 1640. It got its name in two steps. First, in 1642, it was named after Viceroy Don Lope Díez de Armendáriz, marqués de Cadereyta. Later, in 1904, it added "Montes" to honor the lawyer Ezequiel Montes.
From the very beginning, during Spanish rule, Cadereyta was meant to be an important place. In 1689, it became an Alcaldía mayor, which made it the main city in that part of the state. It was a key spot to protect important trade routes from attacks by local indigenous groups from the Sierra Gorda mountains.
Today, Cadereyta is known as one of Mexico's "Pueblos Mágicos" (Magical Towns). This is because of its beautiful old buildings, rich culture, and many historical sites.
You can also find a famous greenhouse here called Finca Schmoll. It has a huge collection of desert plants that visitors can explore.
A Look at Its Past
Ancient Times in Cadereyta
About 7,000 years ago, different groups of nomads lived in the Cadereyta area. They moved around, hunting animals and gathering food to survive. Tools made of wood, like an atlatl (a spear-throwing tool), were found in a cave called Cueva del Tesoro. Scientists used carbon dating to find out these tools are very old, from between 7 and 132 CE.
Spanish Arrival and Founding
Some of the main indigenous groups living here were the Chichimecas, Pame, and Jonace. These groups often fought against the Spanish who arrived later. To try and bring peace, religious missionaries and soldiers came from nearby towns.
In 1639, Viceroy Lope Diez of Armendariz, also known as the Marquess of Cadereyta, strongly supported these peace efforts. Captain Alonso of Tovar Guzman led these campaigns. He later named the city of Cadereyta to remember the Marquess. Around 1640, the Spanish officially set up the town, calling it Villa de Cadereyta.
The number of people living in the municipality grew from 51,688 in 2000 to 57,204 in 2005.
See also
In Spanish: Cadereyta (Querétaro) para niños
