Santiago

The Mission Era (1723-1795)

“This Mission of Santiago is founded on a hill near houses by a stream. The natives call it Aiñiñí, named for the southern pools.”
— Father Lorenzo Carranco, 1730

• 1723: Jesuit Ignacio María Napoli relocated Mission Santiago de Los Coras to present-day Santiago (originally Aiñiñí to the Pericú people)
• Legacy Industries: Introduced sugarcane production and milling, still thriving today
• 1734 Uprising: Pericú leaders Botón and Cristóbal Chicori led a revolt, killing priests Carranco (Santiago) and Tamaral (San José del Cabo)
• Artistic Record: Jesuit Ignacio Tirš documented mission life through paintings of flora, fauna, and indigenous culture
• 1795: Mission closed due to indigenous population decline

19th Century: Growth & Autonomy

• 1838: Became an independent municipality
• Agricultural Boom: Sugarcane, grapes, mangoes, corn, and beans transformed Santiago into a regional hub

Revolution & Modernization

• 1913: Founded its first primary school (now Benemérita Andrés Quintana Roo School)
• 1914: Revolutionary battles under Colonel Félix Ortega Aguilar against federal forces
• 1940s: Governor Francisco José Múgica’s reforms brought:
  • Rural schools (Agua Caliente, El Ranchito)
  • Medical services by Dr. Cirilo Mondragón
  • “La Casa del Pueblo” community center with library and sports facilities

Mid-Century Anecdotes

• 1950s: U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower hunted doves here—a commemorative sign marked his stumble: “Here Fell Eisenhower”

Municipal Timeline

• 1971: Joined La Paz Municipality
• 1980: Became a delegation of Los Cabos

• 2021: Celebrated 300 years since mission founding—the cultural roots of modern Los Cabos