Álamos

Infobox Settlement
official_name = Álamos
other_name =
native_name =
nickname =
settlement_type =
motto =

---

imagesize = 240px
image_caption =


flag_size =
image_

seal_size =
image_shield =
shield_size =
city_logo =
citylogo_size =


mapsize =
map_caption =


mapsize1 =
map_caption1 =
image_dot_

dot_mapsize =
dot_map_caption =
dot_x = |dot_y =
pushpin_

pushpin_label_position =
pushpin_map_caption = Location in Mexico
pushpin_mapsize =
subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name = MEX
subdivision_type1 = State
subdivision_name1 = Sonora
subdivision_type2 = Municipality
subdivision_name2 = Álamos
subdivision_type3 =
subdivision_name3 =
subdivision_type4 =
subdivision_name4 =
government_footnotes =
government_type =
leader_title =Municipal president
leader_name =
leader_title1 =
leader_name1 =
leader_title2 =
leader_name2 =
leader_title3 =
leader_name3 =
leader_title4 =
leader_name4 =
established_title = Founded
established_date = Late 17th century
established_title2 =
established_date2 =
established_title3 =
established_date3 =
area_magnitude =
unit_pref =
area_footnotes =
area_total_km2 =
area_land_km2 =
area_water_km2 =
area_total_sq_mi =
area_land_sq_mi =
area_water_sq_mi =
area_water_percent =
area_urban_km2 =
area_urban_sq_mi =
area_metro_km2 =
area_metro_sq_mi =
area_blank1_title =
area_blank1_km2 =
area_blank1_sq_mi =
population_as_of =2005 [es icon [http://www.inegi.gob.mx/est/contenidos/espanol/sistemas/conteo2005/localidad/iter/ 2005 census] , INEGI.]
population_footnotes =
population_note =
population_total = 24,493
population_density_km2 =
population_density_sq_mi =
population_metro =
population_density_metro_km2 =
population_density_metro_sq_mi =
population_urban =
population_density_urban_km2 =
population_density_urban_sq_mi =
population_blank1_title =Municipality
population_blank1 =
population_blank2_title =Demonym
population_blank2 =
population_density_blank1_km2 =
population_density_blank1_sq_mi =
timezone = MST
utc_offset = -7
timezone_DST =
utc_offset_DST =
latd=27 |latm=1|lats=39 |latNS=N
longd=108|longm=56|longs=24 |longEW=W
elevation_footnotes =
elevation_m =
elevation_ft =
postal_code_type = Postal code
postal_code = 85760
area_code = 647
blank_name =
blank_info =
blank1_name =
blank1_info =
website =
footnotes =

The town and municipality of Álamos in the Mexican state of Sonora was founded in the late 17th century following discoveries of silver in the region. It was named by the conquistador Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, and became the capital of the surrounding region. Alamos is the northern-most 'Silver City' in Mexico and although it has much in common, architecturally, with Mexico's other 'Silver Cities' it has not succumbed to large-scale commercialism and has managed to retain the charm and pace of earlier times. Many writers and artists have quietly claimed Alamos for their own.

Álamos is located in the southeastern part of Sonora, and 396 km (246 miles) from state capital Hermosillo, 54 km (34 miles) from Navojoa and 663 km (412 miles) from the northern border town of Nogales. It is adjoined by the State of Chihuahua on the north and east, and the State of Sinaloa on the south. The population of the municipality is 24,493 and its area 6,947.27 km². Average temperature is about 14 °C (58 °F); maximum 30 °C (85 °F).

Álamos is known as "La Ciudad de los Portales" ("portales" are tall, arched, covered verandas or walkways fronting many of the cobble-stoned streets or "calles"). Alamos boasts numerous buildings exhibiting classic architecture from Mexico's Colonial period, including the Central Plaza, the Church of La Purísima Concepción, and the Palacio Municipal ("city hall"). The great wealth created by the silver mines enabled the founders and residents of Alamos to build scores of Baroque mansions throughout the town; many of which may still be seen today.

Both Architectural and 'Eco' Tourism contribute to the economy of Álamos (a huge near-by nature reserve, the Sierra de Alamos Ecological Reserve, offers serious 'birding' opportunities), along with agriculture, thanks to the Adolfo Ruiz Cortinez Dam and Reservoir known as “El Mocúzarit”, whose waters irrigate 80,000 acres (320 km²). Cattle ranching and mining are seasonal.

Many Festivals and fiestas occur in Álamos year-round, most notably the Festival of Dr. Alfonso Ortiz Tirado ("FAOT"), attended by many national and international musicians, and celebrities. Dr. Alfonso Ortiz Tirado, born in this community in 1894, achieved recognition for being "El Tenor de las Américas". The annual Festival Alfonso Ortiz Tirado is a ten-day event that takes places in Alamos anually in late January.

Former President of Mexico Alvaro Obregon was born on a farm near Alamos on February 17, 1880.

The renowned Mexican screen actress María Félix was also born here on April 8 1914.

The creek of Cuchujaqui, which is in the ecological reserve is the most subtropical area in the Northern Hemisphere. Cuchujaqui is the subject of international scientific study and the southern migration destination of hundreds of different species of birds.

Álamos was named a "Pueblo Mágico" in 2005. "Pueblo Majico" is a designation given by the Mexican Secretariat of Tourism to towns that offer a 'magical' experience by reason of their natural beauty, cultural riches and historical relevance.

Álamos claims to be the "Mexican jumping bean capital of the world".

Coordinates: 27°1'N 108°56'W

Famous people born in Álamos

*Alfonso Ortiz Tirado, tenor
*General Alvaro Obregon, President of Mexico
*María Félix, motion picture actress
*Félix María Zuloaga, soldier, politician
*Arturo Marquez, composer
*Isamar Vega, Actress In talks The Cheetah Girls 3

ister cities

*flagicon|USA Scottsdale, Arizona, USA

References

External links

* [http://www.alamosmexico.com The Alamos Website]
* [http://www.sonoraturismo.gob.mx/ Turismo Sonora]
* [http://www.festivalortiztirado.com/ Festival Ortiz Tirado]
* [http://maps.google.com/?om=1&ie=UTF8&ll=27.023119,-108.933228&spn=0.047635,0.056648&t=k Satellite view on Google Maps]
* [http://www.mypetbeans.com/ General information and supplier of Mexican Jumping Beans for the US]