MENU
History
Prehispánic history has San Miguel de Allende as the home to groups of hunter gatherers, Chichimecas, Toltecs and Otomis.
In 1542 the Spanish conquistadores and the Padres arrived.
The area around the Laja River turned out to be wonderful cattle country. The town quickly grew fat and sassy as both Spaniards and indigenous people moved up from the south to populate the rich land. It became known as San Miguel el Grande. And by the 1770s it was a wealthy, cosmopolitan city, larger than either New York City or Boston in the U.S.
Independence Time
In 1779, the prominent Allende family added a member, a son they named Ignacio. With his birth and life, the history of San Miguel de Allende became part of the nation’s history. In 1810, he became an officer in the Queen’s Dragoons, but it’s likely he had already been infected with the fire of independence. He spent time conspiring with Morelos, Aldama, and other agitators for independence in the House of the Conspirators on Calle Reloj at the corner of the Jardín.
On September 16, 1810, the Mexican War of Independence began, with Allende as one of its chief lieutenants. He led the rebels to several military victories and got himself named a hero. But he was captured by the Spanish and beheaded before the war was over.
In 1826, in honor of this heroic favorite son, San Miguel was given the name we still use today and christened La Fragua de Independencia, the Forge of Independence. The city’s name derives from two persons: 16th-century friar Juan de San Miguel, and a martyr of Mexican Independence, Ignacio Allende.
Americans in San Miguel de Allende
Fast forward a hundred years. As modernity began to creep in, the city fathers saw the wisdom of protecting what they had. The center of San Miguel was named a National Historic Landmark. The town became popular as a hang-out for Mexican movie stars. Famous for its nearby hot springs and its pure air and colonial charm.
In 1938, the most prominent American to ever live in San Miguel de Allende arrived. Stirling Dickinson rode into town on a donkey from the bus station on a sunny February day. According to a biography by John Virtue, he looked up at the Parroquia and said “My God, what a sight! I’m going to stay here.” He soon became the director of a new art school at Bellas Artes.
San Miguel de Allende recognition worldwide
On July 8, 2008, San Miguel de Allende was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
The UNESCO historic district in San Miguel de Allende encompasses 64 blocks. And includes homes, public squares and such buildings as La Parroquia, a 17th-century cathedral famous for its neo-Gothic design. The preservation of the district’s charming ambiance and architectural heritage is the result of a long, ongoing effort by city officials to limit development and maintain strict building regulations.
For the 5th time, in Oct 2021 Condé Nast’s readers awarded SMA the designation as the “Best Small City in the World” and “Best Small City outside the US”.
“Mariachis, hummingbirds, bougainvillea, vineyards, thermal springs, world class restaurants and art… These are only a few of the experiences that will delight your senses as you explore SMA. We invite you to imagine your life in the Heart of Mexico, San Miguel de Allende. Our team is here to accompany you on your journey to home ownership and/or investment in our spectacular colonial city.
Located 6,200 feet above sea level, SMA has a population of about 200,000 people, 15 – 20% are expats.
What San Miguel de Allende offers
It is a town brimming with culture and color. The high desert climate allows us to be outdoors year round. Therefore, most homes boast a combination of gardens, roof gardens, courtyards, fountains, and terraces. You are able to choose from a complete spectrum of styles – from Traditional Colonial to Modern Mexican.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing in property in our beautiful town, you can contact us. Helping you is truly what we do.
