San Luis Potosi

San Luis Potosi is the name of the city as well as the state. Our focus, however, is on the cit more commonly referred to as San Luis.

Located 261 miles (418 km) north of Mexico City at an altitude of over 6,000 feet, San Luis Potosi is one of the most beautiful of the highland mining cities. In fact, the city was named after San Louis IX of France and when rich gold deposits were found, the Potosi was added (after the rich mines of Potosi Bolivia).

The city was originally founded as a Franciscan mission in 1583. Soon after, rich mineral deposits were discovered, San Luis became a city (1592) and the area developed quickly.

During the war with the French, Benito Juarez made San Luis Potosi the capital of the republican government twice (1863 and 1867).

In 1910 the election was stolen by the dictator Porfirio Diaz when he threw his opponent (Francisco Madero) in Jail. Madero fled and issued the Plan of San Luis Potosi, the plan was not uncommon in Mexican history . . . revolution.

If you have ever seen pictures of all of Mexico's "Presidents" and taken note of how many wore military uniforms, you would understand why I don't spend too much time on the revolts, invasions and revolutions. Just another day in the turbulent history of Mexico.

The population of San Luis Potosi is now over 685,000 people. It may no longer be a small colonial town, but the historic center makes you feel like it is.

Today, the Spanish colonial architecture of this picturesque mile high city is the main attraction.