Colonia Juárez, Chihuahua facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Colonia Juárez
Town
Academia Juarez, a school owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Colonia Juárez Location in Mexico
Country	Mexico
State	Chihuahua
Population  (2010)
• Total	1,035

Colonia Juárez is a small town in the northern part of Mexico. It is located in the state of Chihuahua. The town sits in the valley of the Piedras Verdes River. It is on the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert.

Colonia Juárez is about 9 kilometers north of Mata Ortiz. It is also about 12 kilometers southwest of Nuevo Casas Grandes. In 2010, the town had a population of 1,035 people.

History of Colonia Juárez

Colonia Juárez was founded in 1886. It was named after Benito Juárez, a famous Mexican national hero. This town was one of many colonies in Mexico. These colonies were settled by Mormon pioneers. These pioneers were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).

Why the Colony Was Settled

The LDS Church wanted to create new communities. Many members moved from the U.S. to Mexico. They sought places where they could live according to their religious beliefs. This was because of laws in the U.S. that made it difficult for them to practice their religion.

The new colonies in Mexico were also important for the LDS Church financially. Many church leaders today have family roots in these colonies. Famous people like Mitt Romney are also descendants of these early settlers.

The Mexican Revolution's Impact

By the early 1900s, many Mormons lived in Chihuahua. The Mexican Revolution (1910-1920) caused many colonists to leave. Some left for good, while others came back later. Many families sent women and children to the United States or Europe for safety.

One of the last battles of the Revolution happened near Casas Grandes. Colonists helped rescue wounded people. They cared for them at a place called "El Refugio." This earned them thanks from the new government.

Survival of the Colonies

Many colonies survived for several generations. However, mountain colonies like Pacheco and García slowly lost people. This was mainly due to economic challenges. By the 1960s, most Mormon colonists lived in Colonia Juárez or Colonia Dublán. Today, many people in these towns are descendants of the original settlers.

What Colonia Juárez is Known For

Colonia Juárez is famous for its farms. They grow delicious peaches and apples. The town also has many cattle ranches. Many people work as farmers or ranchers. Others work in the local schools.

Academia Juárez

The town is home to Academia Juárez. This is a private high school owned by the LDS Church. It is known for its many successful graduates.

The Colonia Juárez Temple

Colonia Juárez also has one of the LDS Church's temples. It was opened on March 6, 1999. Gordon B. Hinckley, who was the church president, dedicated it. The Colonia Juárez Chihuahua Mexico Temple was one of the first smaller temples built by the LDS Church. It is currently the smallest temple the church uses.

Notable People from Colonia Juárez

• Joseph T. Bentley
• Carl F. Eyring
• Greer Skousen
• Henry Eyring (chemist)
• Henry Eyring (Mormon pioneer)
• Franklin S. Harris
• John Hatch (basketball, born 1947)
• Jorge A. Rojas
• Marion G. Romney
• William R. R. Stowell
• O. Meredith Wilson

See also

In Spanish: Colonia Juárez (Chihuahua) para niños