San José de Gracia, Michoacán facts for kids
San José de Gracia is a town in Mexico. It is located in the state of Michoacán de Ocampo, in the very northeast part of the state. This town is the main center, also called the "municipal seat," for the Marcos Castellanos area. San José de Gracia covers about 231 square kilometers. It is known for making dairy products like cheese, cream, and milk.
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History of San José de Gracia
How the Town Started
Around 1886, people living in a cattle ranch called Llano de la Cruz began to plan a new town. They were led by a religious leader named Deacon Esteban Zepeda. On March 19, 1888, the Bishop of Zamora, José Maria Cázares y Martínez, officially approved their plan. The new town was named San José because it was founded on Saint Joseph's Day.
Changes Over the Years
In 1909, San José de Gracia became part of the Sahuayo area. Later, it was also linked to Jiquilpan. For a while, the town was officially called Ornelas, but people never really used that name.
A Time of Conflict
On June 11, 1927, about 500 men in San José de Gracia decided to fight. This happened during the Cristero War. They took up arms because the federal army had previously set fire to their town.
Becoming a Municipal Seat
On January 30, 1967, San José de Gracia became the official "municipal seat" for the area of Marcos Castellanos. This meant it was the main town for local government.
A Book About the Town
In 1972, a Mexican writer named Luis González y González wrote a special kind of history book about the town. It was a "microhistory," meaning it focused on the small details of one place. The book was later translated into English in 1974. Its English title was San José de Gracia: Mexican Village in Transition.
Name Restored
In 1981, the government of Michoacán, called the Congress of Michoacán, made a rule. This rule officially brought back the name San José de Gracia as the town's proper title.
