Independence

From its zenith, during the early 1800s the economic fortunes of San Miguel declined due largely to the upset of the Mexican War of Independence. Its political destiny rose, however, due to the importance or its role early in the conflict, given is the birthplace of two significant heroes of the Independence, Juan Aldama and Ignacio Allende. Both men were conspirators against the colonial government in Mexico City. Assembled at the nearby town of Dolores (Hidalgo) in September 1810, an insurgent army first came to San Miguel, where it entered the city to name officers and to free jailed captives. Therefore, San Miguel is considered to be the first municipality to be freed from Spanish rule. San Miguel calls itself the "Forge of National Independence." Just to the north, Dolores Hidalgo is known as the "Cradle of National Independence." Here General Ignacio Allende joined the army as Miguel Hidalgo's chief lieutenant and led the army to several victories. Captured during battle and summarily executed, Allende was not able to enjoy a Mexico independent from Spanish oppression. His head, along with those of Padre Hidalgo, Aldama and Jimenez, hung in cages on each the four corners of a building in Guanajuato from about 1811 until 1824 when Mexico finally gained its independence. After the war, the town was renamed San Miguel de Allende in honor of Ignacio Allende. San Miguel Allende Tourist Guide