Francisco de Montejo: the name heard across the city

After fierce resistance and several defeats, Francisco de Montejo — father and son — conquered Yucatán in the 16th century. Here is who Francisco de Montejo was and why his name repeats across the most important places in the city.

Who was Francisco de Montejo?

In beautiful Mérida, almost everything bears the name of Francisco de Montejo: schools, museums, main streets, monuments and even a neighbourhood. But who was Francisco de Montejo?

He was born in Salamanca, Spain, and belonged to the generation of men who, under Charles V, took part in the conquest of Mexico. He reached the Mexican coast alongside Hernán Cortés and from there began to subjugate the region’s native peoples.

Façade of the Casa de los Montejo, in the historic centre — the first blocks of the city. A museum open to the public.

In 1527, Francisco de Montejo set out to conquer Yucatán, but was defeated by the native peoples. Three years later he returned with his son, Francisco de Montejo y León, but again failed to subdue the Indigenous population.

A third attempt, in 1537, finally succeeded as Spanish troops advanced across the northeast of the peninsula. That military success spurred them on until they reached the city of T’hó, where he founded the city of Mérida on 6 January 1542.

In the 16th century, Francisco de Montejo the younger founded Mérida on the ruins of the ancient Maya city. Figures such as Nachi Cocom defended Maya territory tooth and nail; nonetheless, defeat was inevitable.

The conquest of Yucatán is a page of history written in the blood of the Maya people, dictated by the voice of abuse and told unfairly by those who held the power of the written word. It is impossible to know how much truth and fiction have mixed and been lost over the years.

After the Spanish victory, the elder Francisco de Montejo became governor of the region. During his rule he rewarded his relatives with land and is remembered for his culture of subjugation and enslavement of the native peoples. He died in exile in Seville.

Imposition and rebellion. We have just said who Francisco de Montejo was. Yet the history of Yucatán is also worth remembering through Jacinto Canek, who led an Indigenous rebellion against the government in 1761.

The uprising ended with the death of thousands of natives and Canek’s execution in Mérida. He is remembered, however, for his warrior spirit — rebellious and hard to conquer.

Read: Paseo de Montejo, an avenue for walking over the soul of Yucatán.

What makes up the Yucatán peninsula

The territories of the Yucatán peninsula, and their boundaries, played a leading role in the struggle and strategy against the Spanish. The Crónicas de Indias contain some early attempts to define the peninsula’s borders on the new continent.

When Mexico finally gained independence from Spain in February 1821, Yucatán became part of the independent Mexican Empire, but it remained a remote province until 1824, when it was split into three states: Campeche, Quintana Roo and Yucatán.

What makes up the Yucatán peninsula today? Three states. Yucatán is the most important; its capital, Mérida, sums up everything the peninsula stands for: culture, mestizaje and extraordinary landscapes.

Another state is Campeche. It was one of the last bastions of Maya resistance, played a major role in the fight against pirates and holds wonderful places. That is why it is known as the walled city.

Quintana Roo is the third state. It is the tourist destination par excellence. Cities such as Playa del Carmen and Cancún have grown significantly and the state draws hundreds of investments.

The Francisco de Montejo neighbourhood

As noted, the Montejo name repeats across Mérida. The Francisco de Montejo neighbourhood lies in the northwest of the city and is its largest development.

Surrounded by trees and linked to the centre by several avenues, it is one of the most populous areas of Mérida — more than 40,000 people live there.

Near Francisco de Montejo there are many apartments and houses for rent at affordable prices, which is why it is chosen by so many families.

Monument to Francisco de Montejo, father and son, looking towards the expansion of Mérida.

Well served by infrastructure, the neighbourhood began to be built in the 1990s in five phases, the last of which was completed early in the 21st century.

A lively commercial area, near Francisco de Montejo you will find all kinds of shops and restaurants.

Also nearby are other important developments and districts such as Xcumpich, Pinzón, Dzityá and Chuburná.

Paseo de Montejo

One last landmark that carries the conqueror’s name is the Paseo de Montejo. Its beautiful architecture, lined with stately mansions, is part of Mérida’s remarkable architectural heritage.

Near it stand the historic centre and the city’s most important buildings.

Knowing who Francisco de Montejo was is, without doubt, to know the birth of Mérida, Yucatán. What other figure do you associate with the city’s history?