Valladolid, Yucatán

Valladolid is a small city in the state of Yucatán, Mexico. Valladolid is in the inland eastern part of the state at 20.67°N 88.20°W. In 2003 the estimated population was about 38,000 people.

History

Named after the then-Spanish capital Valladolid, Valladolid was established by Spanish Conquistadores in the 16th century, and was long the third city of the Yucatán Peninsula (after Mérida and Campeche) in size and importance until the start of the 20th century. It had a sizable well-to-do Creole population, with a number of old Spanish style mansions in the old city. Valladolid was nicknamed The Sultaness of the East.

In 1840 the city had some 15,000 people. Valladolid and the surrounding region was the scene of intense battle during Yucatán's Caste War, and the Ladino forces were forced to abandon the city in 1848, and it was sacked by Maya rebels before it was recaptured later in the war.