History of La Paz Mexico
La Paz is one of the most historically interesting and fascinating cities in Baja, California. With a distinguished and confrontational past, this region managed to survive through natural elements, Spanish explorers, the dominating Europeans, and missionaries, to become the beautiful and peaceful place it is today. More than 10,000 years ago, La Paz and its surrounding lands were inhabited by indigenous hunter-gatherer societies. These natives lived off the land and sea by gathering edible plants, roots and berries, hunting, and by utilizing prehistoric fishing methods. The area’s original inhabitants often used naturally existing caves for shelter. Because these people lived simply, one of the few remains that indicate their existence here was left behind in caves, in the form of simple artworks, primarily in hues of red, blue, and black. The art depicts animals and humans, but their true meaning has not been determined, and is still quite mysterious. The cave paintings in La Paz and its surrounding communities are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is just one example of the rich history in La Paz, and you will want to explore these wonders whether you come here for a visit or plan to call this city home. The name, La Paz, literally translates into “the peace”, and this is what travelers or potential homebuyers can expect to find here. The idyllic setting available to you now, is a sharp contrast to what previous inhabitants experienced, beginning in the 1500s.
With the arrival of Spanish explorer Hernan Cortes in 1535, La Paz was far from peaceful. The native Pericu Indians, who called southern Baja home, met Cortez and his men with strong resistance, and caused many problems for explorers over the years. Cortez had conquered Mexico, and mistakenly, he was not expecting much difficulty capturing this region. Cortez and his fleet managed to fight off the natives, and managed to found a small colony in La Paz. This settlement was constantly under attack, and in less than a year, the majority of Cortez’s men had succumbed to battle or starvation. Cortez headed back to Mexico, leaving 30 men behind to defend the post. A later expedition that returned to La Paz found the settlement in shambles. In addition to the native’s unwillingness to succumb, the Spanish suffered other obstacles. The location of the city, and its unforgiving desert climate, made growing food and obtaining supplies complicated, and ultimately these reasons caused the Spanish efforts at colonization to fail. Today, La Paz is the capital city of the Baja territory, and guests and residents here have no problems obtaining all the comforts and conveniences of modern society.
Sebastian Vizcaino was the next Spanish explorer that attempted to conquer La Paz, under the orders of King Phillip II in 1602. Vizcaino played a vital role of Spain’s success in conquering the Portuguese troops, and was highly favored by the king. The explorer initially landed in what is present day Cabo San Lucas, and immediately had to engage in battle with 800 defiant natives. Vizcaino soon established a fort in present day Le Paz, and his is credited with providing the city’s name. From his Baja home base in La Paz, the Spanish fortune seeker continued to send out men to explore the globe and Baja’s surrounding territories. Vizcaino tried his hand at profiting from the infamous pearls of Paz, and to some extent succeeded. Eventually, he and his men experienced the same troubles from raiding natives and supply shortages, and they abandoned the fort. The Spanish certainly left their mark in La Paz in the city’s culture and architecture. If you choose to visit this stunning city, you will notice that many of the hotels and hostels here exhibit great amounts of Spanish flair. If your family chooses to live here, many excellent housing options, both conjoined and freestanding haciendas are designed in styles that are representative of the era of conquistadors.
Beginning in the year 1697, the Jesuit missionaries spent a hundred years building 16 missions within the stretches of the Baja Peninsula. Many of these still stand or have remains that you can view, and some sites have had newer constructions take the place of the missions. Although, their intent was to spread the message of Christianity to locals, the Jesuit's ultimately had a huge negative impact on the native’s well-being. Some La Paz inhabitants welcomed the missionaries, and others made it their life’s work to run them out, just as they had the Spanish. The natives that embraced the Jesuits often moved into the missions where they were exposed to unfamiliar tribes, and this stemmed the Typhoid epidemic that wiped out much of the tribal population. Other lives were lost due to constant battles and, over a few decades, the natives were mostly eradicated. Ultimately, troops of King Carlos III ran off the missionaries, but the Dominicans quickly took place of the Jesuits and continued their teachings. You can visit one of the most notable structures, the Cathedral of our Lady of La Paz, and 1861 construction of neoclassical influence. Housed here, are the 18th century paintings that the Jesuits once displayed in their missionaries.
Whether you are a visitor or a resident in La Paz, there are endless activities and sites to enjoy, both on land and in the glittering Sea of Cortez or the Pacific Ocean. On days when the beach is not a viable option, there are amazing land-based attractions to fill the void. If you have ever wondered what a grey whale’s skeleton looks like, then a trip to the Communitarian Museum of the Grey Whale will satisfy that curiosity. The magnificent Serpent House is an exhibition center that houses hundreds of reptile species and other creatures, which is fun and educational. Plenty of rugged mountains surround La Paz, and create great opportunities for outdoor adventures. The best beaches that are in and around the city are La Concha and Pechilengue, and many other excellent choices line the coast. A bus service conveniently helps locals and visitors have the chance to explore many of these treasures. Many people choose to visit or live in La Paz because it is a world-class destination for whale-watching, scuba divers, snorkelers, and sport fishermen. More than 850 species of fish give anglers a run for their money, and the amazing sea life and spectacular coral reefs give underwater enthusiasts a treat. Kayaking is popular year round here, and some of the finest underwater experiences can only be accessed through this mode of transportation.
Whether you come to La Paz for a visit or choose to stay here permanently, you will be able to participate in marvelous indoor and outdoor adventures while you fully immerse yourself in the laid-back Baja culture and style. Because La Paz boasts the only major airport in the region, visitors to the city will be delighted at the hub’s close proximity to their lodging. Residents of La Paz are able to conveniently pick up friends or family members who visit there and can fly out of Baja on a whim. It is not surprising that Money Magazine recently proclaimed La Paz as the premier destination for people to retire in. People that live here have access to the greatest beaches, majestic mountains, and year round pleasant weather. Once you visit La Paz, you may be inclined to agree, wanting to call this amazing and historic city home too.
With the arrival of Spanish explorer Hernan Cortes in 1535, La Paz was far from peaceful. The native Pericu Indians, who called southern Baja home, met Cortez and his men with strong resistance, and caused many problems for explorers over the years. Cortez had conquered Mexico, and mistakenly, he was not expecting much difficulty capturing this region. Cortez and his fleet managed to fight off the natives, and managed to found a small colony in La Paz. This settlement was constantly under attack, and in less than a year, the majority of Cortez’s men had succumbed to battle or starvation. Cortez headed back to Mexico, leaving 30 men behind to defend the post. A later expedition that returned to La Paz found the settlement in shambles. In addition to the native’s unwillingness to succumb, the Spanish suffered other obstacles. The location of the city, and its unforgiving desert climate, made growing food and obtaining supplies complicated, and ultimately these reasons caused the Spanish efforts at colonization to fail. Today, La Paz is the capital city of the Baja territory, and guests and residents here have no problems obtaining all the comforts and conveniences of modern society.
Sebastian Vizcaino was the next Spanish explorer that attempted to conquer La Paz, under the orders of King Phillip II in 1602. Vizcaino played a vital role of Spain’s success in conquering the Portuguese troops, and was highly favored by the king. The explorer initially landed in what is present day Cabo San Lucas, and immediately had to engage in battle with 800 defiant natives. Vizcaino soon established a fort in present day Le Paz, and his is credited with providing the city’s name. From his Baja home base in La Paz, the Spanish fortune seeker continued to send out men to explore the globe and Baja’s surrounding territories. Vizcaino tried his hand at profiting from the infamous pearls of Paz, and to some extent succeeded. Eventually, he and his men experienced the same troubles from raiding natives and supply shortages, and they abandoned the fort. The Spanish certainly left their mark in La Paz in the city’s culture and architecture. If you choose to visit this stunning city, you will notice that many of the hotels and hostels here exhibit great amounts of Spanish flair. If your family chooses to live here, many excellent housing options, both conjoined and freestanding haciendas are designed in styles that are representative of the era of conquistadors.
Beginning in the year 1697, the Jesuit missionaries spent a hundred years building 16 missions within the stretches of the Baja Peninsula. Many of these still stand or have remains that you can view, and some sites have had newer constructions take the place of the missions. Although, their intent was to spread the message of Christianity to locals, the Jesuit's ultimately had a huge negative impact on the native’s well-being. Some La Paz inhabitants welcomed the missionaries, and others made it their life’s work to run them out, just as they had the Spanish. The natives that embraced the Jesuits often moved into the missions where they were exposed to unfamiliar tribes, and this stemmed the Typhoid epidemic that wiped out much of the tribal population. Other lives were lost due to constant battles and, over a few decades, the natives were mostly eradicated. Ultimately, troops of King Carlos III ran off the missionaries, but the Dominicans quickly took place of the Jesuits and continued their teachings. You can visit one of the most notable structures, the Cathedral of our Lady of La Paz, and 1861 construction of neoclassical influence. Housed here, are the 18th century paintings that the Jesuits once displayed in their missionaries.
Whether you are a visitor or a resident in La Paz, there are endless activities and sites to enjoy, both on land and in the glittering Sea of Cortez or the Pacific Ocean. On days when the beach is not a viable option, there are amazing land-based attractions to fill the void. If you have ever wondered what a grey whale’s skeleton looks like, then a trip to the Communitarian Museum of the Grey Whale will satisfy that curiosity. The magnificent Serpent House is an exhibition center that houses hundreds of reptile species and other creatures, which is fun and educational. Plenty of rugged mountains surround La Paz, and create great opportunities for outdoor adventures. The best beaches that are in and around the city are La Concha and Pechilengue, and many other excellent choices line the coast. A bus service conveniently helps locals and visitors have the chance to explore many of these treasures. Many people choose to visit or live in La Paz because it is a world-class destination for whale-watching, scuba divers, snorkelers, and sport fishermen. More than 850 species of fish give anglers a run for their money, and the amazing sea life and spectacular coral reefs give underwater enthusiasts a treat. Kayaking is popular year round here, and some of the finest underwater experiences can only be accessed through this mode of transportation.
Whether you come to La Paz for a visit or choose to stay here permanently, you will be able to participate in marvelous indoor and outdoor adventures while you fully immerse yourself in the laid-back Baja culture and style. Because La Paz boasts the only major airport in the region, visitors to the city will be delighted at the hub’s close proximity to their lodging. Residents of La Paz are able to conveniently pick up friends or family members who visit there and can fly out of Baja on a whim. It is not surprising that Money Magazine recently proclaimed La Paz as the premier destination for people to retire in. People that live here have access to the greatest beaches, majestic mountains, and year round pleasant weather. Once you visit La Paz, you may be inclined to agree, wanting to call this amazing and historic city home too.
