Tzucacab facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tzucacab
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Municipal seat
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 Tzucacab
Location in Yucatán (state)
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| Country |  Mexico |
| State | Yucatán |
| Municipality | Tzucacab |
| Elevation | 36 m (118 ft) |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 9,967 |
Tzucacab is a town in Yucatán, Mexico. It is the main town, or municipal seat, of the Tzucacab Municipality. This means it's the center for local government and services. Tzucacab is famous because an important agreement, the Treaty of Tzucacab, was signed here. This treaty tried to end a big conflict called the Caste War of Yucatán.
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What Does Tzucacab Mean?
The name "Tzucacab" comes from the Mayan language. It means "small part of the town." It combines the Mayan words "tsukul" (which means portion or part) and "kaaj" (meaning town or hill).
Where is Tzucacab Located?
Tzucacab is found in the southeastern part of Yucatán. It is about 15 kilometers (9 miles) southwest of Peto. It's also about 30 kilometers (19 miles) southeast of Tekax. The capital city of Yucatán, Mérida, is about 145 kilometers (90 miles) northwest of Tzucacab.
A Look at Tzucacab's History
Tzucacab is in an area that used to be part of the Cochuah chiefdom. A chiefdom was like a small kingdom ruled by a chief. The capital of this chiefdom was Chunhuhub.
Archaeologists have found proof that people lived in this area long before the Spanish arrived. We don't know the exact year Tzucacab was founded. However, a special land grant system called an Encomienda was set up here around 1612. This system gave Spanish settlers control over land and the people living on it.
After Yucatán became independent from Spain, it later joined Mexico. Tzucacab then became part of a region called the Partido de Beneficios Altos. Tihosuco was the main town of this district.
The Treaty of Tzucacab
In 1848, a very important event happened in Tzucacab. The Treaty of Tzucacab was signed in the town. This agreement was between Jacinto Pat, a leader of the Maya (called a batab), and Miguel Barbachano. Barbachano was the political leader of Yucatán at that time.
The treaty was an attempt to stop the Caste War of Yucatán. This was a long and difficult conflict that started in 1847. It was a fight between the native Maya people and the people of European descent. Sadly, the treaty did not fully end the war. The conflict continued until 1901. That's when Mexican soldiers finally took back the last areas held by the Maya rebels. These areas included Bacalar and Chan Santa Cruz, which are now in the state of Quintana Roo.
See Also
In Spanish: Tzucacab para niños
