VERACRUZ, a city and seaport of Mexico, in the State of Veracruz, on a slight indentation of the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, in 19° II' 50" N., 96° 20' W., slightly sheltered by some small islands and reefs. Pop. (193o) 71,883. Veracruz is the most important port of the republic. It is 263 m. by rail E. of the city of Mexico, with which it is connected by two lines of railway. It is built on a flat, sandy, barren beach, only a few feet above sea-level. The harbour is confined to a compara tively narrow channel inside a line of reefs and small islands, which is exposed to the full force of northern storms. New port works were completed towards the end of the 19th century, which, by means of breakwaters, afford complete protection. In 1905 the four railway companies having terminal stations in Veracruz united in the organization of a joint terminal asso ciation, with union station, tracks, warehouses, quays, cranes, etc.
Veracruz dates from 152o, soon after the first landing there of Cortes. This settlement was called Villa Rica de Veracruz,
but was soon after moved to the harbour of Bernal, in 1525 to a point now called Old Veracruz, and in 1599 to its present site. It was pillaged by privateers in 1653 and 1712, and this led to the erection of the celebrated fort of San Juan de Ulaa, or Ulloa, on one of the reefs in front of the city. In 1838 it was captured by the French, on March 29, 1847 by an American army under Gen. Winfield Scott, who made Veracruz a base for his march upon the City of Mexico, and in 1861 by the French. Felix Diaz, nephew of President Diaz, captured Vera cruz on Oct. 15, 1912, in a revolt against the Madero Govern ment. Surprised by Federal troops, he was taken prisoner on Oct. 22, and interned in *Ma fort.
Naval forces of the United States landed in Veracruz on April 21, 1914, seized the port and thereby brought about the resignation of President Huerta. They held the city until Nov. 23, 1914.