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Magdalena de Kino facts for kids

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Magdalena de Kino is a city in the Mexican state of Sonora. It's also the name of the area around the city, called a municipality. This area covers about 560 square miles (1,460 square kilometers). In 2005, about 23,101 people lived in the city, and 25,500 lived in the whole municipality.

Cripta Padre Kino
The crypt and monument for Father Kino in Magdalena.

Magdalena de Kino is in northern Sonora, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) from the border with the United States. It shares borders with other towns like Nogales, Santa Ana, Ímuris, Cucurpe, Tubutama, and Sáric. The city is named after Father Eusebio Francisco Kino. He was a Roman Catholic missionary and explorer who worked in this area and in what is now Arizona in the U.S.

History of Magdalena de Kino

1961 MAGDALENA
Magdalena de Kino in 1961.

Long ago, the land where Magdalena de Kino now stands was home to native groups. These included the Tohono O'odham and Pimas people.

The first missions were started in 1687 when Father Eusebio Francisco Kino arrived. Mission Santa María Magdalena became Father Kino's main base around 1690. Buildings for the mission were built starting in 1705. Father Kino was buried in the chapel when he died in 1711. The main town area was founded in the early 1700s.

The mission complex was damaged several times by attacks during the 1700s. It was rebuilt in 1730 but destroyed again in 1757. More attacks happened in 1776.

Economy and Jobs

Making a living in Magdalena de Kino mostly comes from farming. About 2,800 acres of land are used for growing crops. Farmers grow fruits, wheat, corn, beans, and sorghum. Raising cattle is also a big part of the local economy.

About 2,000 people work in factories, especially in places called maquiladoras. These factories often make products for other countries. The city also has businesses that make drinks, building materials, and furniture.

Fun Places to Visit

Magdalena de Kino has several interesting places for visitors to see. There are also hotels and restaurants.

Temple of Santa María Magdalena

This church has an important image of San Francisco Xavier. He is a significant historical figure for both Sonora and Arizona.

Father Kino's Grave

Father Kino died in 1711 and is buried in a crypt near the mission he started. A monument was built in 1966 after his remains were found.

Father Kino Museum

This museum shows items from the native cultures of the area. You can see photographs, old weapons, and traditional clothing.

Colosio Mausoleum

The mausoleum of Luis Donaldo Colosio Murrieta and his wife is located here. He was a famous politician from Magdalena de Kino.

Historic Stone Buildings

Many buildings in the city are made of stone. They have carvings that tell stories about the history of the municipality and Mexico.

Famous People from Magdalena de Kino

Magdalena de Kino is the hometown of several notable people.

  • Luis Donaldo Colosio: He was a presidential candidate for Mexico. He was a member of the PRI political party.
  • Alejandro Gallardo: He is a soccer player. He was part of the team that won the U-17 World Cup in Peru in 2005.
  • Luis Urías and Ramón Urías: These brothers are professional baseball players. They have both played in Major League Baseball (MLB).

Sister Cities

Magdalena de Kino has "sister city" relationships with other cities. This means they share cultural and economic ties.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Magdalena de Kino para niños

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