ZACATECAS. A city of the State of Zacate cas, Mexico, 439 miles by rail northwest of the City of Mexico, in a lofty valley some 8000 feet above the sea (Map: Mexico, G 6). Owing to the narrowness of the valley in which it is situ ated, the city spreads in irregular blocks, with winding streets, up the sides of the encircling hills. The cathedral, in the heart of the city, with elaborately sculptured facade, unfinished towers. and costly interior, dates from the sev enteenth century. The plazas of Juarez and of Villareal, and the paseos of the Alameda and of Canada de San Francisco, add much to the charm of the city. There is a municipal palace, contain big an attractive courtyard, the mint, and the Calderon Theatre. Zacatecas owes its settlement and subsequent prosperity to its silver deposits. During recent years richer veins have been dis covered in other portions of the State, and the importance of those of Zacatecas have been some what eclipsed. Recent discoveries point, however,
to an extensive future output of gold. In the reduction of the silver ore the ancient and waste ful patio process is still employed, though a few foreign firms have introduced modern methods. There are manufactures of pottery, some simple household weaving, and an extensive transit trade. Population. in 1900, 39.912. Zacatecas was founded in 1546 and became a city in 1585. The Franciscan friars from this city played an important part in the early history of Texas. The State and oily Opposed the centralizing policy of Santa Anna, hut were overthrown by him, in 1835, before he departed on his memorable Texas campaign. In 1871 a battle between the iiovernment troops and a revolutionary force took place on the Hill of the Bunt.