Chihuahua City facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Chihuahua Ją’éłąyá  (Lipan Apache) Chihuahua City Ciudad de Chihuahua
City
From the top to the left: Quinta Gameros, Cathedral, Angel of the liberty, Puerta de Chihuahua, Federal Palace, Creel House, Skyline of El Palomar Park.
Flag Seal
Motto(s):  Valentía, Lealtad, Hospitalidad (Courage, Loyalty, Hospitality)
Location in the state of Chihuahua
Chihuahua City Location in Mexico
Country	Mexico
State	Chihuahua
Municipality	Chihuahua
Founded	October 12, 1709
Founded by	Antonio de Deza y Ulloa
Elevation	1,415 m (4,635 ft)
Population  (2020)
• City	925,762
• Metro	988,065
Demonym(s)	Chihuahuense
GDP (PPP, constant 2015 values)
• Year	2023
• Total	$31.5 billion
• Per capita	$28,200
Time zone	UTC−6 (CST)
ZIP codes	31000
Area code(s)	+52 614
Climate	BSh
Website	City of Chihuahua

The city of Chihuahua or Chihuahua City (Spanish: Ciudad de Chihuahua) is the capital city of the Mexican state of Chihuahua. In 2020, about 925,762 people lived in the city. If you count the nearby areas, the population was around 988,065 people.

Chihuahua City is known for its high level of human and social development in Mexico. This means it's a great place to live, with good opportunities and services for its people. The main activity here is industry, which includes making heavy and light goods, as well as everyday products. The city also has many factories that assemble products for export, called maquiladoras. The General Roberto Fierro Villalobos International Airport serves the city, connecting it to other places.

History of Chihuahua City

Antonio Deza y Ulloa, founder of Chihuahua

The name Chihuahua might come from the Nahuatl language, meaning "between two waters" or "place of the holed-rock." Another idea is that it comes from the Tarahumara language, meaning "dry and sandy place." The name was used even before the Spanish conquest of Mexico.

How Chihuahua City Started

Chihuahua City was founded on October 12, 1709. It was started by Blas Cano de los Rios and Antonio Deza y Ulloa, a Spanish explorer. They first called it El Real de Minas de San Francisco de Cuéllar. The land for the city was given by Don Ildefonso de Irigoyen. In 1718, it became a town called San Felipe el Real de Chihuahua. Later, in 1823, the name was shortened to just Chihuahua.

The city was built where the Chuviscar and Sacramento rivers meet. It was also halfway between the Río Bravo del Norte and the important mining city of Hidalgo del Parral. For much of the 1700s, Chihuahua was like the main city of Nueva Vizcaya, an old Spanish province.

Colonial Times and Important Events

During the Spanish colonial period, Catholic missionaries were very important. Chihuahua became a meeting point for missionaries traveling to and from the mountainous region where the native Tarahumara people lived.

The city did not see much fighting during the Mexican War of Independence. However, Miguel Hidalgo, who is known as the Father of the Country, was held prisoner and executed here in 1811. This happened at the Federal Palace of Chihuahua and the nearby Government Palace of Chihuahua.

In 1847, during the Mexican–American War, U.S. forces took over Chihuahua after winning the Battle of the Sacramento. Later, from 1864 to 1867, President Benito Juárez made Chihuahua City the temporary capital of Mexico during the French invasion.

Growth and Revolution

During the time of President Porfirio Díaz, Chihuahua grew very quickly. It became one of Mexico's most important cities, home to major banks and wealthy families.

The city played a big role in the Mexican Revolution (1910–1917). It was often the main base for the División del Norte, an army led by Pancho Villa. You can still visit many places from this time, like the Historical Museum of the Mexican Revolution. This museum is in Villa's old home, La Quinta Luz, which his widow, Sra. María Luz Corral de Villa, turned into a museum.

In the 1900s, Chihuahua continued to grow. It used its close location to the U.S. border to its advantage. Before the 1970s, it was mainly a trading center for cattle and farm products. In the 1990s, the city's economy boomed, making it one of the wealthiest cities in Mexico.

Recent History

In recent years, Chihuahua City has focused on improving safety and introducing new businesses. Large shopping malls like Plaza del Sol opened, and new commercial areas developed. The city also started the International Festivals of Chihuahua, which bring art shows, plays, and concerts to the city.

Mayors have changed over the years, with elections held regularly. In 2016, María Eugenia Campos Galván became mayor, and her term started on October 10, 2016.

People and Buildings in Chihuahua City

City Hall also fronts onto the Plaza de Armas.

In 2010, Chihuahua City had about 809,232 people. The city has a very high literacy rate, meaning most people can read and write. About 35% of the population is 14 years old or younger, and 60% are between 15 and 65. People in Chihuahua City live long lives, with men living to about 72 years and women to 79 years.

Chihuahua City is known for its tall buildings. Here are some of the tallest:

Famous Places to See

Museo Casa Chihuahua.

Even though some old buildings were removed in the 1970s to make wider streets, Chihuahua City still has many beautiful old buildings from the 1800s and 1900s. Here are some interesting places:

• Temple of San Francisco: Started in 1717, this church was finished in 1789. It was the first burial place of Miguel Hidalgo.
• Federal Palace of Chihuahua: Now a museum, this building holds the jail cell where Miguel Hidalgo was kept.
• Museo Casa Juarez: Also called The Museum of the Republican Loyalty, this was the house where President Juarez lived.
• Central Park "El Palomar": Once a poor area, it is now the city's largest park.
• Mansion 'Quinta Carolina': This was once the summer home of Don Luis Terrazas. It is being restored.
• The Government Palace: This is the state's main government building.
• City Hall: The city's government building.
• Mansion 'Quinta Gameros': This is one of the largest old homes in Chihuahua City, now a museum for decorative arts.
• Church of Santa Rita (1731): Saint Rita of Cascia is the city's patron saint.
• Colonial Aqueduct: Parts of this old structure, built to bring water from mountain springs, still exist.

Length of colonial aqueduct in Chihuahua City, 18th century

Neighborhoods and Shopping

Chihuahua City is divided into Colonias (neighborhoods). These areas are used for homes, businesses, factories, and schools. In recent years, new gated communities called "fraccionamientos" have been built. These are like residential developments in other countries.

The city has many shopping malls for you to explore:

• Fashion Mall
• Paseo Central
• Plaza Galerías
• Plaza Sendero
• Distrito 1
• Cantera Cinco
• Tres vias shopping center

Parks and Recreation

Chihuahua City has several parks where you can relax and play:

• El Palomar
• Ciudad Deportiva
• Deportiva Sur
• Parque Metropolitano El Rejon
• Parque Lerdo

There are also three country clubs: San Francisco Country Club, Campestre Chihuahua, and Altozano.

Media and Communication

Chihuahua City has many ways to stay connected and entertained.

Internet

You can find public Wi-Fi in some areas. For private internet, there are several companies that offer services like Alestra, Axtel, Infinitum by Telmex, Izzi Telecom, and Totalplay Telecomunicaciones. Mobile internet is available from providers like AT&T, Movistar, and Telcel.

Local TV Channels

The city has many local TV channels, offering a variety of shows and news. Some of the main channels include:

• XHCH-TDT (Azteca Uno, ADN 40)
• XHFI-TDT (Las Estrellas, Foro TV)
• XHCTCH-TDT (Imagen Televisión, Excélsior TV)
• XHCHZ-TDT (Canal 5, NU9VE)
• XHECH-TDT (Azteca 7, a+)
• XHCHI-TDT (Canal Once, Once Niños)

Radio Stations

You can listen to many radio stations in Chihuahua City, playing different types of music and programs. Some popular ones include:

• La Poderosa (950 AM, 89.3 FM)
• Estereo Mexicana (580 AM, 96.5 FM)
• La Caliente (90.9 FM)
• Exa FM (100.9 FM)
• Radio Universidad (105.3 FM, 106.9 FM)

City Newspapers

For news, you can read several local newspapers:

• El Diario de Chihuahua
• El Heraldo de Chihuahua
• El Pueblo
• La Crónica Hoy Chihuahua

There are also many digital newspapers available online, like Acento Noticias, Al Contacto, and La Opción de Chihuahua.

Economy of Chihuahua City

Chihuahua is the twelfth largest city in Mexico and one of the most industrialized. Manufacturing is a very important part of its economy. The city has nine large industrial parks and 79 maquila manufacturing plants, which employ about 45,000 people. These plants assemble products for export. Many big companies, like Ford Motor Co., Sumitomo Electrical, Honeywell, Hallmark, and LG Electronics, have facilities here.

The entire state of Chihuahua is also a strong economic center. Manufacturing makes up about a third of the state's total economic output. Trade and other services account for more than half. Chihuahua state has the most forested land in Mexico. Many workers are in commerce and services, while others work in mining and industry. The state is a top producer of non-ferrous minerals and zinc, and second in silver. Farming is a smaller part of the economy, but Chihuahua is a leading producer of apples, nuts, cattle, and sheep.

Life in Chihuahua City Today

The Chihuahua campus of ITESM.

A key part of Chihuahua City's modern life is its industrial zones. These zones have factories where foreign companies make products, creating thousands of jobs. These jobs also need skilled professionals, and universities like the Universidád Autónoma de Chihuahua and ITESM help train them.

The city's businesses have grown a lot because of a growing middle class. The good salaries paid by industries to managers and skilled workers bring a lot of money into the city.

Chihuahua City has a lively nightlife, especially downtown. Some old, grand houses have been turned into nightclubs and dance halls, often featuring local live bands. You can also find many U.S. fast-food and restaurant chains, especially on Periferico de la Juventud and Universidad Avenue. Young people and professionals often visit these places.

Climate in Chihuahua City

Plaza Mayor after a snowfall.

Chihuahua City is located on the western edge of the Chihuahuan Desert. It has a hot, semi-dry climate. However, it's not as hot as other parts of the desert because it's almost 1,500 meters (4,921 feet) above sea level.

Winters are mild, with average daytime temperatures around 18.1°C (64.6°F) in January, the coldest month. Sometimes, it can get colder than -10°C (14°F). Frosts are common at night in winter. This season is usually dry and sunny. Snowfall is not very common, usually happening about twice a year.

Summers are hot, with June being the hottest month, averaging 33°C (91°F) during the day. Temperatures can often go above 32°C (90°F). Most of the rain falls in summer due to the monsoon, which brings moist air from the Gulf of California and the Gulf of Mexico. Afternoon storms with hail and thunder are common during this time.

Spring (March, April) and Fall (October, November) are changeable. Days are usually warm, and nights are cool. Strong winds can cause dust and sandstorms in March and April.

The warmest temperature ever recorded in the city was 41.6°C (106.9°F), and the coldest was -18°C (-0.4°F) on February 4, 2011.

Geography of Chihuahua City

Cerro Grande (Big Mountain).

Chihuahua City looks a bit like a large letter "L". It has flat plains to the north and hills on both sides and to the south. The Teofilo Borunda Avenue runs east-to-west through the city, following the path of the Chuviscar River. The Periferico de la Juventud, a major highway, crosses Borunda Avenue in the west and runs north-to-south. The main way to enter the city from the north (from Ciudad Juárez) is Tecnológico Avenue.

Three hills are very important to the city and even appear on its coat of arms: Cerro Grande, Cerro Coronel, and Santa Rosa. Cerro Grande has a large cross that lights up every Christmas.

To the east, across the Sacramento River, is the Sierra Nombre de Dios. Inside this mountain range are the Nombre de Dios Caverns, which are natural caves with amazing mineral formations. The General Roberto Fierro Villalobos International Airport is located to the far east and south of the city.

Getting Around Chihuahua City

Bridges being built in the city, circa September 2005. The growing traffic in the city caused a massive construction plan for more and better roads.

Chihuahua City has the Roberto Fierro Villalobos International Airport (CUU), which connects to major Mexican cities and international places like Denver, Dallas, Houston, and Phoenix. It's the state's biggest airport for both cargo and passengers.

The city is also a starting point for the Chihuahua–Pacific Railroad, which goes all the way to Los Mochis, Sinaloa. Another railroad, Ferromex, also serves the city. There's a large bus station on the south side of the city for buses traveling between cities, regions, and even internationally.

Chihuahua has a special bus system called Bowí Chihuhaua ^[es], which is like a subway but with buses. It has one main line with 44 stations and many smaller lines that go into the suburbs. You pay for rides using special electronic cards. The city plans to add free Wi-Fi to all 44 stations.

The city is always building new roads and bridges to handle the increasing traffic. Besides many taxi companies, you can also use ride-sharing services like Uber and DiDi.

Important highways that pass through Chihuahua include Highway 45, which goes north to Ciudad Juárez and south to Delicias. Highway 16 connects Chihuahua to Hermosillo in the west and Ojinaga (a border town) in the east.

Sports in Chihuahua City

Chihuahua City is home to the Dorados de Chihuahua, a professional basketball team in Mexico's National Professional Basketball League. The city also used to have a baseball team called the Dorados.

In 2010, Chihuahua hosted the 24th IAAF World Race Walking Cup, where top walkers from around the world competed. In 2019, the Caudillos de Chihuahua American football team was founded. They play in the Olympic Stadium of Chihuahua. The city also has the Chihuahua Savage, a team that plays in the Major Arena Soccer League in the United States.

Things to Do and See

The Cathedral occupies the west side of the Plaza de Armas

Interior of the cathedral

Chihuahua City has many places for tourists to visit. These include the museums, the beautiful Metropolitan Cathedral from the 1700s, the Government Palace from the early 1800s, and the City Hall from the early 1900s. These buildings are located around the Plaza de Armas.

During the French invasion of Mexico, President Benito Juárez made Chihuahua City the capital of Mexico from 1864 to 1866. The Museo Casa Juarez, also called The Museum of Republican Loyalty, shows how the house looked when President Juárez lived there.

You can take a ride on the "Trolley el Tarahumara," a tourist bus that visits all the main museums and monuments downtown. It starts at the Plaza de Armas and includes stops at parks like Central Park "El Palomar". This large park has many sculptures, including one of three doves (palomas) and a huge flagpole with one of Mexico's largest flags. You can also see a statue of actor Anthony Quinn in his role as 'Zorba the Greek'. The city is famous for its classical and modern sculptures by artists like Espino, Baltazar, Ponzanelli, and Sebastian.

The sculpture "La Fuerza Indomita", by Carlos Espino in a park on Cuauhtemoc Street in the downtown.

The Angel of Liberty with the Government Palace in background.

Panel from mural in the Paraninfo depicting the Mexican-American War (Artist: Leandro Carreón Nájera, 1937–39)

Don't miss the amazing murals in the Government Palace and the Paraninfo (University Auditorium). Both show the history of Chihuahua State. The Quinta Gameros is a large old house that is now the state museum for decorative arts. The former Federal Palace of Chihuahua is now a museum and holds the cell where Miguel Hidalgo spent his last days.

The Mammoth Museum is the city's natural history museum. It has 13 rooms showing prehistoric life, from dinosaurs to mammals. It also has exhibits of ancient art. The Semilla Museo Centro de Ciencia y Tecnología, or Seed Centre Museum of Science and Technology, is an interactive science museum for children.

The Feria (Fair) of Santa Rita is a famous event held in the last two weeks of May. It features concerts by international artists. The university symphony also performs weekly during the summer. If you're interested in bullfights, the Plaza de Toros "La Esperanza" hosts corridas in the summer and fall.

The Plaza Mayor is an important square downtown with fountains, green spaces, and monuments to local heroes. The main monument is the "Ángel de la Libertad," built in 2003 to represent freedom. It has a sword with a laser light that can rotate 360 degrees.

Sister Cities

Chihuahua City has special connections with other cities around the world. These are called sister cities:

Country	City	State / District / Region / County	Ref.
USA	Albuquerque	New Mexico
USA	Pueblo	Colorado

Images for kids

• 

  Battle of the Sacramento, 1847

• 

  Panel of Piña mural in the Government Palace, honouring the liberators Abraham Lincoln, Benito Juárez and Simón Bolivar

• 

  Pancho Villa's bullet-riddled Dodge in the Historical Museum of the Mexican Revolution

See also

In Spanish: Chihuahua (Chihuahua) para niños