Santa Eulalia is a town and the seat of the municipality of Aquiles Serdán, in the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua. As of 2010, the town had a population of 7,135, up from 2,089 in 2005.
History
Santa Eulalia is one of the oldest settlements in the state of Chihuahua. It was founded in 1652 by Spanish captain Diego del Castillo, who discovered a silver mine in the area. The settlement was briefly abandoned for several years before new mining discoveries in 1707 revived the town. It served as the head of the alcaldía mayor (a colonial administrative division) until October 12, 1709, after which it became dependent on the municipality of Chihuahua. By decree on July 20, 1901, it was granted the status of a free municipality.
Geography
Santa Eulalia is located approximately 22 to 30 kilometers east of Chihuahua City, at coordinates 28°35′38″N 105°53′16″W, at an elevation of about 1,700 meters (5,600 feet) above sea level.
Economy and Mining
The town is historically and economically tied to the Santa Eulalia Mining District, one of the most important mining districts in Mexico. Mining began in the early 18th century, with early production focused primarily on silver. The district experienced its heyday from approximately 1710 to 1730. In more recent decades, the mines have produced zinc and lead, though production has been intermittent since the 1990s. The Bustillos Mine, located about 30 km from Chihuahua City, features a monumental cave connected to other mines in the region through large tunnels. The district is also known for producing rhodochrosite mineral specimens.
Demographics
The demonym for residents of Santa Eulalia is santaeulaliense. The town's postal code is 31650, and its area code is 614.
