In 1610, the Viceroy of Montesclaros, viceroy of
Mexico and Peru, ordered that a riverside fort be erected on a hill overlooking
the town of San Juan Bautista de Carapoa, to defend it against attacks
by fierce Mayo, Zuaque and Tehueco Indians, and to guard the rich haul
of silver from its many mines. Founded fifty years earlier by the Spanish
conquistador Don Francisco de Ibarra, the town was renamed El Fuerte, “The
Fort.”
In successive years, El Fuerte became a major trading post for gold and
silver from the mines of Urique, Batopilas, and other Sierra Madre settlements
and a station on Spain’s fabled Camino Real trade route. In 1824,
after almost three centuries as the most important commercial and agricultural
center in northern Mexico, El Fuerte became the capital of the territory
which now makes up the Mexican states of Sinaloa and Sonora, and part
of Arizona. After a few years, and a few wars, its administrative functions
were taken over by Culiacán, Hermosillo and Phoenix.
El Fuerte today, with a population of around 30,000, is a quiet, picturesque
colonial town, but the old fort still looks down on the quaint cobblestone
streets as they wind past its historic church, mansions and shops, many
dating back to colonial times. El Fuerte is also the starting point for
most of The California Native’s journeys through the spectacular
Copper Canyon.
Click Here for information on our Copper Canyon Tours.
