Note: Javascript is disabled in your browser.
To see the gallery in all its glory, you'll need to enable Javascript.
Introducing Nuevo León
With 85% of its 4.2 million residents living in and around the capital city of Monterrey, Nuevo León is one of Mexico’s most sparsely populated states. Monterrey’s industrial prowess, generating 7.4% of Mexico’s GDP, makes the state a pillar of the national economy.
Advertisement
The earliest attempts by the Spanish to settle the area failed due to raids by hostile Chichimecs from the north. In 1596 the founding families of Monterrey finally held on, though periodic attacks continued into the 18th century.
The silver the Spanish sought was never found, but they discovered ranching was viable here. By 1710 Nuevo León still had few human inhabitants, but there were an estimated 1.5 million sheep. Industry arrived with the railroads in the 19th century, and this set the state on its present course.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
