About Mazatlan

History

The history of Mazatlan is a colourful and festive tale. The characters of the tale – residents and visitors alike- originate from North America, Europe, Asia and ancient indigenous cultures.

The legend tells that Mazatlan has always existed. The Spanish found a town centuries ago between its wetlands, and the natives speak of deer running around its beaches long before they arrived. Mazatlan’s true date of foundation is lost in time.

According to Lonely Planet , in pre-Hispanic times Mazatlán (which means 'place of deer' in Náhuatl) was populated by Totorames, who lived by hunting, gathering, fishing and agriculture. A group of 25 Spaniards led by Nuño de Guzmán officially founded a settlement here on Easter Sunday in 1531, but almost three centuries elapsed before a permanent colony was established in the early 1820s.

The port was blockaded by US forces in 1847, and by the French in 1864, but Mazatlán was little more than a fishing village for the next 80 years. 'Old' Mazatlán, the traditional town center, dates from the 19th century.

Tourists started coming in the 1930s, mainly for fishing and hunting, and some hotels appeared along Playa Olas Altas, Mazatlán's first tourist beach.

Read more at http://www.mazatlan.com.mx/cultural/story.htm
http://www.pacificpearl.com/history_of_mazatlan.htm