QUERÉTARO
Querétaro is a State around which has been cast a spirit of romance.
The interest that centres here is great on account of it being the
scene of many tragic events. Many famous men and women who have figured
in the history of Mexico were born here. It was in this State that
the first steps toward independence were taken and the efforts of the
patriot Hidalgo to incite the people to open rebellion found ready
response.
It occupies a part of the Cordilleran Plateau and while it contains
much fertile land it is traversed by numerous mountains. In these, many
minerals are found. Gold, silver, lead, copper, antimony, quicksilver
and tin abound, and fine forests of timber and precious woods are the
product of the mountains. Extensive fields of all kinds of grains,
sugar and tobacco are cultivated.
Many lakes, such as the Cerro Grande, the Concha, the San Cillo and the
Saledon, lend natural beauty to nature’s already prolific endowment.
The mining in this State is very promising, the regions are among the
richest in Mexico. Precious and semi-precious stones abound. Owing to
the extremely mountainous country it is difficult to operate many of
the mines, but new railways and modes of transportation are eliminating
that drawback.
The chief city and capital is Querétaro, one of the most beautiful in
the republic, situated one hundred and ten miles northwest of Mexico on
a plateau six thousand feet above sea level. It occupies the sides and
summits of several hills and is separated from the picturesque little
suburbs by a small river. It is an old city dating back to 1400, and
is famous for its beautiful churches, the splendid architecture of the
public buildings and dwellings, and also is of interesting historical
value on account of the tragic ending of Maximilian, the erstwhile
Emperor of Mexico, who was executed on the “Hill of the Bells.”
To one who sees the capital for the first time, it has a great
fascination. There is something different about the architecture, the
atmosphere, and even the sun seems to shine brighter here. Palms and
bananas grow in the open squares, and the many churches with their
melodious chimes ringing at almost all hours lend it an influence that
is delightful.
Napoleon took upon himself the task of exporting an Emperor to Mexico,
Maximilian of Austria, a dreamer imbued with the idea of the divine
rights of kings. He listened to the seductive assurances of an emperor
who himself had secured the right to rule by rapine and blood. Carlota
was ambitious, an ardent Catholic, and the Pope gave the new rulers
consecration and his blessing. The United States government put sixty
thousand troops into Texas on the Mexican border and then Napoleon was
told in unmistakable language that the French troops that sustained
Maximilian must be withdrawn. Maximilian was advised to abdicate,
and would have done so but for the proud and ambitious Carlota. She
volunteered to go to France to intercede with Napoleon. He was deaf to
her entreaties, and she then fled to the Pope for relief, but with no
better success. Repulsed, her finely-strung nature succumbed and she
became bereft of her reason, perhaps the best surcease, except death,
from the humiliation, the defeat, and the greater grief that were to
follow.
Maximilian with a few thousand troops was shut within the city. On the
night of May 19, 1867, the city was captured, and he was tried and
condemned to be shot, together with his two trusted Generals, Mejia
and Miramon. The execution took place two miles out from the city one
month later. Maximilian said as the fatal pilgrimage was begun, “I am
ready; it is a beautiful day to die.” Holding the crucifix over his
breast, as an indication to the soldiers where to fire, and with his
faithful generals at his side to share the same fate, he received the
death-dealing bullets. This historical spot is now marked by a chapel
which has been built in recent years, but until that time three rude
stones with an iron-railed enclosure were all that were placed to
commemorate an event so important to Mexico, for thus the last attempt
ended to plant a monarchy upon this continent.
[Illustration: AQUEDUCT AT QUERÉTARO.]
The Convent of Santa Clara and the Church of Santa Rosa, both noted
for their exterior and interior carvings, are the masterpieces of
Tresguerras, an architect, sculptor, painter and poet. He was born
in Celaya in 1765, and died there in 1833. These are churches of
which Querétaro should be proud, as they are incomparable monuments
of Mexican art. It is difficult to describe the splendor of the
wonderfully rich wood-carving, heavily gilded, the elaborate and
graceful metal work, including balconies and grills of wrought iron,
and the painting and sculpture all from the hand or design of this
great artist. The old church of San Francisco dates back to 1690.
The public buildings and educational and charitable establishments are
splendid monuments to the ambition of an exceedingly good government.
The Civil College, the Conservatory of Music, the Academy of San
Fernando, and the School of Fine Arts are among the most important
educational institutions. There are two public hospitals, the Vagara
Hospital and the Civil Hospital, and many private institutions of this
kind are extant. The palace of the governor contains all the public
offices and the halls of legislature. It has also a historical chamber,
which is full of famous relics that have a bearing on the history
of the country. Portraits of all the former rulers and many curious
objects adorn this chamber. The building is a relic of the days of
Spanish rule and is a remarkable specimen of carving and masonry. It
was once the residence of Josefa Ortiz, wife of a valiant figure in the
War for Independence. She gave valuable information which aided in the
fight for liberty, and enshrined herself in the history of her country.
Señor Coronel Don Francisco Cosio has been governor for many terms. He
is a distinguished gentleman of honorable ancestry and besides being
a statesman universally esteemed, is patriotic, public-spirited and
well-loved by the people.
[Illustration: MEMORIAL CHAPEL TO MAXIMILIAN, MARKING THE
PLACE OF HIS EXECUTION.]
[Illustration: A GENERAL VIEW OF ZACATECAS.]