El Nuevo Reino de Leon y Monterrey a Traves de 3000 Documentos

The book titled “El Nuevo Reino de León y Monterrey a través de 3000 documentos” is a significant historical work that synthesizes over 3,000 documents from the Civil Branch of the Municipal Archive of Monterrey. It covers the period from 1598 to 1705 and was written by Israel Cavazos Garza, a renowned historian and chronicler of Monterrey. The primary focus of this book is to provide insights into the legal, social, economic, and political life of Monterrey and the broader Nuevo Reino de León during the colonial period base don primary documents. The book was published in Monterrey in 1998.

Historical Context: The Nuevo Reino de León, established in the 16th century, was one of the most important territorial divisions of northern New Spain (now Mexico). This work documents the administrative and daily life of this region, showing the gradual colonization, political organization, land distribution, and conflicts over resources like land, water, and minerals. Many of the recorded documents are related to legal proceedings, land grants, disputes, and commercial activities that shaped the region.

Structure of the Book: The book is divided into 27 volumes, each focusing on a specific time period or topic:

1. Volumes 1–3 (1598–1624) – These volumes contain records primarily related to mining activities, land ownership, and disputes among settlers and indigenous people. For instance, several expedientes (case files) detail the registration of mines by prominent figures like Diego de Montemayor and Manuel de Mederos in the Sierra de Santiago.
2. Volumes 4–10 (1624–1667) – These volumes cover legal disputes, grants of land, and records of governance in the region. Important figures such as governors and captains are frequently mentioned in the legal records. This period also documents the increasing importance of agriculture and ranching.
3. Volumes 11–18 (1668–1693) – The documents in this section reveal the social and economic changes taking place, including testaments, genealogical records, and inventories of properties. These provide valuable information for researchers interested in the social fabric of Monterrey during this period.
4. Volumes 19–27 (1694–1705) – These final volumes document the transition from the 17th to the 18th century. They offer insight into military, religious, and civil affairs, including the creation of presidios (military outposts) and missions, as well as records of armed militias formed to defend against indigenous uprisings.

Key Themes of the Book:

•  Land Grants and Ownership: Many documents are concerned with the granting of land to settlers and the disputes that arose from overlapping claims. The records also provide detailed descriptions of the land, including its geographical features and the resources it contained.
•  Social Life and Genealogy: Testamentary records, such as wills and inventories, provide a window into the private lives of Monterrey’s early settlers. These documents list properties, livestock, and personal items, offering a glimpse of daily life. They are also invaluable for genealogical research, as they record familial relationships and the transfer of wealth across generations.
• Economic Activities: Mining and agriculture were the primary economic activities in the region, and the documents detail the ownership and operation of mines, farms, and ranches. There are numerous records of agreements for the exchange of goods, services, and land.
• Governance and Law: The civil authorities played a crucial role in regulating social and economic life. Documents include legal proceedings involving debt disputes, land claims, and the regulation of public order, as well as the appointment of officials such as alcaldes (mayors) and military leaders.

Cover of El Nuevo Reino de Leon y Monterrey a Traves de 3000 Documentos

Conclusion: This book provides a thorough and invaluable compilation of primary sources that help reconstruct the history of Monterrey and the Nuevo Reino de León. Through the analysis of legal, economic, and social records, it paints a detailed picture of colonial life in northern New Spain. The synthesis of 3,000 documents serves as an essential resource for historians, genealogists, and researchers interested in the development of this region during a formative period in Mexican history.

Where you can find this book:

• WorldCat – Helps you find it in a library near you.

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Note: This post was alst updated on 23 Sep 2024.