Guanajuato

Guanajuato, an inland state of Mexico, with an area of 12,500 sq. m., and a pop. in 1893 of 1,007,116. The greater part of the surface belongs to the lofty plateau of Anahuac (q.v.), and is traversed by the Sierra de Gorda in the north, and the Sierra de Guanajuato (11,030 feet) in the centre; the south-west portion belongs to the fertile plain of Bajío. The riches of Guanajuato consist chiefly in its valuable mineral products; there are large numbers of gold, silver, lead, copper, and quicksilver mines still worked. Stock-raising is of some importance, but agriculture is little pursued, although the soil yields most products of both the temperate and tropical zones; a noteworthy article of export is chillies (see CAPSICUM). Large cotton and woollen factories have been established by foreigners.—GUANAJUATO, the capital, is curiously situated on both sides of a deep ravine, traversed by a mountain-stream that in the rainy season is swelled to a foaming torrent. The streets are steep and tortuous, the houses frequently of four or even five stories. The public buildings include a large government palace, a mint, barracks, a cathedral, several convents and colleges, an art-school, and the Alhondiga, a public granary. The electric light and telephones have been introduced. Surrounded by a district honey-combed with mines, Guanajuato presents mainly the appearance of a mining-town; its handsomest private houses belong to the wealthy proprietors of mines, and it contains several amalgamation works, others lining the cañon for several miles. There are also blanket factories and cotton-printing works. Pop. 52,112.