Quintana Roo: A Historical Journey Through 122 Years

Quintana Roo, a state on the eastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula, was officially recognized as a free and sovereign entity in 1974. However, its history dates back much further. In 1902, General Porfirio Díaz, the then President of the Republic, established the Federal Territory of Quintana Roo. This decision was influenced by the Caste War that broke out in Yucatan in 1847, leading to the establishment of the Community of Noh Cah Santa Cruz Xbalam Ná, or the Great Town of Santa Cruz House of the Jaguar. Today, this community is known as Felipe Carrillo Puerto.

From its establishment, this community served as a sanctuary and headquarters for the indigenous uprising for nearly fifty years. In an effort to restore order, General Díaz created the territory of Quintana Roo on November 24, dividing it into three districts. The central district was the current Municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, with its headquarters in Campamento Vega in Punta Allen, Ascension Bay. Two years later, the Santa Cruz community was named the capital of the territory.

On February 27, 1904, the Political and Municipal Organization Law of the Federal Territory of Quintana Roo was published, maintaining the three-district division. The central district was further divided into the municipalities of Santa Cruz de Bravo, Vigía Chico, and five deputy municipalities. Santa Cruz served as the capital of the Territory until 1915, when the capital was moved to Payo Obispo, now known as Chetumal.

Quintana Roo's governor, Mara Lezama Espinosa, praised the efforts of the Pro territory committee of Quintana Roo in a public address. This group of dedicated individuals fought for the recognition and unity of Quintana Roo. In a video shared on social media, Governor Espinosa referred to the creation of the Quintana Roo Federal Territory 122 years ago as a "foundational moment". She praised the resilience and love for their land shown by the natives of Quintana Roo, which led to the territory's elevation to a free and sovereign state in 1974. Governor Espinosa encouraged continued growth and transformation, stating, "From the place where Mexico begins, among all of us, we will continue to build the second stage of the fourth transformation."