Pedro Meoqui facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pedro Meoqui
Meoqui
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City
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 Pedro Meoqui
Location in Mexico
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| Country |  Mexico |
| State | Chihuahua |
| Municipality | Meoqui |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 22,574 |
Pedro Meoqui is a city in the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua. It is named after a famous general, Pedro Meoqui. This city is also the main town of the Meoqui municipality. In 2010, about 22,574 people lived here.
Contents
History of Meoqui
The town of Meoqui started as a mission in the mid-1600s. A Franciscan missionary named Fray Andrés Ramírez founded it. He came from San Antonio de Julimes to teach Christianity to the native people living along the San Pedro River. These groups included the Conchos, Julimes, Navichames, and Mezquites.
Military Rule and Changes
For a long time, military forts called "presidios" ruled the area. This lasted until 1773, when the Military Presidio of San Pablo was set up in Meoqui.
In 1771, an Irish soldier named Hugo O'Conor became a Captain in the Spanish Royal Army. He was known for being a smart military leader. In 1773, he was promoted to Colonel. Colonel O'Conor made Meoqui the home base for his soldiers, the 4th Flying Company. From here, he led many missions to gain control for Spain.
O'Conor and other military leaders governed the area until 1826. After that, Meoqui became a town with its own local government, called an Ayuntamiento. In 1837, it became part of the Rosales area. Later, in 1886, it joined the Canton of Meoqui.
How Meoqui Got Its Name
The town was officially named Pedro Meoqui in 1866. This was to honor General Pedro Meoqui Mañon, a military leader from Mexico City. He fought in important battles and was a loyal friend to Benito Juárez, who was the President of Mexico.
In 1864, General Meoqui Mañon, then a colonel, helped protect President Juárez. They traveled through Meoqui together. In 1866, President Juárez returned to the town. He decided to name it the "Villa of General Pedro Meoqui Mañón" on December 11. This was a way to remember his friend, who had been killed in 1865 during a battle against French invaders.
In 1966, the town of Meoqui was given the title of "City."
The Monitos of Meoqui
On October 27, 1987, something strange happened in Meoqui. Several children said they saw small, human-like creatures come out of the ground. This news made Meoqui famous around the world! This is how the urban legend of the "Monitos of Meoqui" began. "Monitos" means "little monkeys" or "little dolls" in Spanish.
Local Industry
Meoqui is known for its soft drink bottling plant. It used to be a Coca-Cola factory. Today, it still makes unique flavored drinks that you can only find in Mexico. One famous drink is the Apple Soda of Chihuahua, also known as Manzanita Soto de Chihuahua.
Gastronomy (Local Food)
The food in Meoqui is similar to other places in Chihuahua. But it has its own special dishes. You can find "Morelian tacos" in the city center. Another famous dish is the "abigeo stew." This stew is made with dried meat and a red chili sauce. It was first created by Colonel Lázaro Cárdenas.
Notable People
- Eduardo Najera - A professional basketball player.
- Alex Saucedo - A professional boxer.
See also
In Spanish: Meoqui para niños
