With its eventful stories, famous figures and places this town is a true example of the delight of delving into history. The first record of a settlement in this area was in1809 and is referred to as Vega de Marrufo, which was visited by Hidalgo in 1811. However, it was in 183O that the townspeople founded the town of San José de Matamoros, in memory of the leader Mariano Matamoros.

They then later moved to San Juan Nepomuceno de la Carrera, about a mile away. In the end, the town of San Juan Nepomuceno disappeared and in its place, “Villa de Matamoros” was founded. The heroic aspect of this town was shown when the townspeople fought against the landowner Leonardo Zuloaga, who, supported by political leader Santiago Vidaurri, tried to strip them of their land in the name of religion and privilege!. In 1864, the town was official recognized by President Benito Juarez during his visit to the region. In 1927, the town received the title of city. (Population 92,029)

Among Matamoros main attractions are:

• Main Plaza, The main plaza is the first reference point of the city where the “Lic. Benito Juarez” monument can be admired within its gardens. In the pedestal of the monument lie the remains of Juan de la Cruz Borrego and Marino Ortiz, who were entrusted with protecting the National Archives. Both were tortured and assassinated for not confessing the site of its undisclosed location.

• Nuestra Señora del Refugio Temple, Construction of this temple, the city’s principal church, began on January 22, 1920. It was not completed until November 1,2000.

• Tobacco Cave, Once a hideout to tobacco smugglers, this cavern is now a monument honoring the memory of those martyrs, native to the towns of Hidalgo Congregation, El Huarache and La Soledad, who zealously protected the National Archives that Juarez delivered to them during his historic exodus in 1864.

• Brickyards, To the north of the town limits, we can still admire the peculiar brickyards that were built at the beginning of the century using German technology.

• Curiosities, Uniquely located in the center of the town’s market, there is a clock tower called “Reloj Publico” was inaugurated on December 5, 1928 its precision was such that it motivated the suspension of the ringing of the church bells, since it caused confusion.

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