Historic Fotos of Colima in the early 1900's

From a travel book now part of Project Gutenberg

Title: Mexico
Its Ancient and Modern Civilisation, History, Political
Conditions, Topography, Natural Resources, Industries and
General Development


Colima is a small state, bordering on the Pacific next below Jalisco, with an area of 4,250 square miles, and population of 66,000 inhabitants. Flat near the coast, the land is mountainous in the interior. There are several rivers, the waters of which, after furnishing the means of irrigation, and water-power for various textile factories, flow to the sea. The climate, good in the north, is hot and subject to malaria upon the coast. The principal products of the state are agricultural; rice, corn, sugar-cane, and coffee being foremost among these. The soil is generally fertile; and in the northern parts the woods and canyons favour cattle-raising, in which industry various large haciendas are engaged. There are also great palm plantations, which produce cocoanut oil, whilst timber of valuable kinds exists. Some trade is carried on in the hides and skins of animals and reptiles—cattle, deer, "tigers," crocodiles, &c. Minerals exist—copper, gold, silver, but have been little prospected as yet.

The means of communication, like those of the other littoral states, are principally by sea, and the port and harbour of Manzanillo is one of the best upon the coast. But a line of railway connects this seaport with the picturesque capital of the state, Colima, surrounded by tropical vegetation and backed by its volcanoes. This line of railway is being continued to join the main system of the Republic, beyond the mountains, and but a short portion remains to be completed, as described above.

Plaza Principal


City park


View of City and parks


Small town in Colima


Small town in Colima

Link to Project Gutenberg book

Ex-Hacienda Nogueras

Tour of the old sugar mill - Comala, Colima - Mexico

We got a tour behind the walls of the Ex-Hacienda and parts of the old sugar mill that are being restored with the help of the University of Colima. In a rent exchange program along with funding for the restoration, the University will use the large building for conferences and classes. When ready the new area will be part of the larger museum complex.

Most of the work is being done to the large building below that was converted from sugar in the '50's to a plant producing essence of lemons. Before that the history it's not known. Emilia, who is part of the original family that owned the Hacienda and current manager, gave us this tour and she has hopes this new section will be open in about a year.

More fotos of the Ex-Hacienda Nogueras Tour

Fiestas Charro-Taurinas

The Fiestas Charro-Taurinas has been celebrated in Villa de Alvarez every year since 1857, a charro and bullfight festival with cockfights, concerts and more in honor of the patron saint of Colima, San Felipe de Jesus, who protects against earthquakes and hurricanes.

The petatera is a structure that is created with wood and petates which are woven mats. Perhaps the most fascinating fact about the stadium is that it is reconstructed each year and then torn down and saved for the next fair or event.

We missed the fair grounds on the way in from Minatitlan but returned to Villa Alvarez the next day and found the bull ring was still under construction. It's huge, the total grounds are huge and it must be quite an event but did not start 'till about the 9th, a few days after we were to leave. Actually very funky construction with many of the boards for walking and sitting not well secured. Some families were there fixing up their own areas - evidently reserved year after year.

One of the intertainment posters

Still building on the inside

Outside the ring


Working on the seats

Fiestas Charro-Taurinas in Villa Alvarez - Colima