Government Palace of Chihuahua facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Government Palace of Chihuahua |
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| General information | |
| Location | Chihuahua, Mexico |
| Coordinates | 28°38′21″N 106°4′24″W / 28.63917°N 106.07333°W |
The Government Palace of Chihuahua (also known as Palacio de Gobierno de Chihuahua) is a beautiful old building in the city of Chihuahua, Mexico. It was built in the 1800s. This important building is right in the middle of the city. It's where the governor of Chihuahua state works. For many years, the state's lawmakers also met here.
The palace is very special because it has a memorial inside. This memorial honors Miguel Hidalgo, who is called the "Father of the Country." He was executed here by Spanish soldiers on July 30, 1811. The memorial, called the Altar de la Patria (Altar of the Fatherland), marks the exact spot where he died.
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History of the Palace
The land where the palace stands today has a long history. Originally, a Jesuit College was built there. In 1767, the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) was asked to leave New Spain. Because of this, the college building was left empty for many years.
In 1790, the old college became a military hospital. Later, in 1859, the Mexican government took ownership of the building. This happened after new laws were passed by President Benito Juárez.
Building the New Palace
The old building was taken down in 1878. Construction on the new Government Palace began in 1881. This project was started under Governor Luis Terrazas. Engineer-Architect Pedro Ignacio Irigoyen led the building work. He had help from Enrique Esperón and Carlos Moreno.
A new street was created, and the old college site was split into two parts. The Government Palace was built on the southern part. On the northern side, a federal mint (where money was made) was built. This mint was later taken down in 1908. Today, the Museo Casa Chihuahua stands there.
It took almost ten years to finish the palace. The building was ready in September 1891. It was officially opened on June 1, 1892, by Governor Lauro Carrillo. The palace first had two stories and was made from limestone. It was built in the neoclassic style.
Fire and Restoration
On June 21, 1941, a big fire badly damaged the palace. The inside of the building was destroyed. However, the palace was fully repaired and even got a third floor. It was opened again in 1947. Engineers Enrique Miller, Manuel O'Reilly, and Carlos Ochoa managed the rebuilding project.
Murals and Art
In 1959, Governor Teofilo Borunda decided to decorate some of the inside walls. He wanted them to show the history and economy of the state. Muralist Aarón Piña Mora was chosen for this important job. The first painting he created showed the death of Miguel Hidalgo.
When President Adolfo López Mateos visited in 1962, he suggested that more murals be painted. Now, the entire first floor and part of the second floor are covered with these amazing murals. They were all painted by Aarón Piña Mora, who is a famous Mexican artist.
Architecture and Design
The Government Palace is designed in the neoclassic style. This means it uses ideas from ancient Greek and Roman buildings. The first floor has a simple, strong design called the Doric order. The second floor uses the more elegant Ionic order. The third floor combines different styles.
The main courtyard, called the Patio Central, once had a sculpture. This sculpture showed the four main groups of people in the world. Later, it was moved to El Parque España, a park in the city.
In 2004, Governor Patricio Martinez oversaw another restoration of the palace. During this time, the State Coat of Arms was added to the building. The "Four Races" sculpture was also brought back to the Central Patio. A statue of Miguel Hidalgo was also placed on the ground floor.
Gallery
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One of the panels illustrating the construction of the Cathedral of Chihuahua.
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The Coat of Arms of the State on third-floor balcony.
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The sculpture of 'The Four Races'.
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The original Chamber of Deputies inside the Palace.
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Statue of Miguel Hidalgo on ground floor.
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Commemorative plaque indicating the place where an assassination attempt was made against Governor Patricio Martinez.
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The palace decorated for Independence Day, 16 September.
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Panel with a mural of Pancho Villa.
See also
In Spanish: Palacio de Gobierno de Chihuahua para niños
