By Matthew Fortuna
The History of Rocky Point, Mexico
In the state of Sonora,
Mexico, in northwest Mexico, Rocky Point is a fishing and tourist city on the Gulf of Mexico. With a population of under 50,000, the city has a rich history and is commonly known by its Mexican name, Puerto Penasco.
Early History
From the years A.D. 700-1500, Rocky Point was populated by numerous Indian tribes, including most notably the Hohokam Indians. It was a prominent trading and fishing village.
Settlement
Temporary settlements were established by Spanish conquerors in the 1520s under the forces of Hernando Cortez.
Pirates
In the late 1700s, the city became a popular spot for pirates who continuously pillaged and plundered the city, its inhabitants and the surrounding areas.
Revolution
Revolution and war swept Rocky Point as the entire Mexican nation fought its fading power and threats from the United States, the other American nations and insurgencies from within.
Pancho Villa
After becoming an essential city in the wars of Pancho Villa against the United States, Rocky Point became an important economic center just south of the Mexican border. Hotels and bars sprang up in the city during prohibition in the United States.
1950s
After World War II, when the city witnessed actions involving mini-subs and aircraft fighters, Rocky Point grew into a prominent beach city, with churches, schools, restaurants, stores and shipyards.
Late 1900s
The 1970s saw the building of police and fire departments, a hospital, beach homes and a tourist district. By the 1980s, the city was hosting over 200,000 tourists a year and thriving.
About the Author:
Matthew Fortuna is a full-time freelance writer with a journalism degree from Wayne State University, living in the Detroit metropolitan area. He has written about a wide range of topics across varying publications, including Demand Studios, wiseGEEK.com and Suite101.com, among others. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Wayne State University.
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