El Fuerte“Gateway to the Copper Canyon”
One of the most beautiful colonial towns in Sinaloa’s northwestern region.
For centuries, it was a major trading post for gold and silver miners. Some lovely colonial mansions line the cobblestone streets leading to a central Plaza de Armas that comes alive in the evenings.
El Fuerte was founded in 1564 by Spanish conquistador Don Francisco de Ibarra, the first explorer of the treasures of the Western Sierra Madre mountains. In 1610, a fort was built to ward off the fierce Zuaque and Tehueco Indians, who constantly harassed the Spaniards. El Fuerte became a major trading post for silver miners and gold seekers from the Urique, Batopilas, and Rain of Gold mines in the nearby Sierra Madre.
In 1824, El Fuerte became the capital of what is now the states of Sonora, Sinaloa, and a part of Arizona. It remained so for several years. There is much rich history in and around El Fuerte. You can be sure that a historical walk around this picturesque colonial city of about 30,000 people is a very rewarding experience. El Fuerte is also famous for being the legendary birthplace of Senor Diego de la Vega, also known as El Zorro.
Menu