Loreto History

Pre-Columbian Loreto

Archaeological evidence indicates that the Cochimi and Guavcura people lived in the Loreto area beginning over 10,000 years ago. Few signs are left of them, save for several cave paintings in the mountains and canyons of the area.

The Cochimi people lived in the area at least through the 16th century, and are said to have come in contact with the Spanish ships that plied the Sea of Cortez at the time.

Spanish Administration

Early Spanish attempts at colonization of the Baja peninsula had not met with success, due to a number of factors. These included lack of support from the Spanish crown, an inability to establish a self-sustaining food supply, and native tribes that refused to be subjugated.

In 1697, the Spanish authorities decided to implement a new plan. They awarded a concession to the Jesuit Order to establish and maintain agricultural centers in the peninsula.

On October 25, 1697, Jesuit missionaries led by Juan Maria de Salvatierra arrived in what is now Loreto, and established a mission, the first settlement on the Sea of Cortez by the Spanish. The mission, the Mission of Our lady of Loreto, was named after the Virgin of Loreto, an Italian incarnation of Mary.

The Jesuit missionary venture had mixed success. While it brought schools, a road system, garden and date palm plants and a mail service to the area, the missions never became self-sustaining, either agriculturally or economically. In addition, the native population fell dramatically during the 70 years of Jesuit settlement; the native population of 40,000 to 50,000 fell to 7,000, primarily due to diseases transmitted by the foreigners.

During this time, Loreto remained a key Spanish settlement, hosting the mission and a presidio. Loreto served as the seat of government for the territory of Baja California, along with the administration of the church.

The Jesuits were expelled from Mexico in 1768, primarily due to money issues, and were replaced by 15 Franciscans under the leadership of Junipero Serra. Soon thereafter, disagreements with the Spanish civil authorities, the arrival of members of the Dominican Order and Spain's desire to further explore Alta California (what is now the State of California) led the Franciscans to move from Loreto and establish the string of missions in California that ranged from San Diego to Sonoma. As the Franciscans left, the Dominicans assumed the responsibility for administering the Baja missions.

Junipero Serra

Loreto in the 19th and 20th Centuries

Loreto remained the civil and religious capital of Baja California until 1829, when the city was destroyed by a hurricane. The capital was moved to La Paz in 1830, and Loreto was largely abandoned.

Immigration in the middle part of the 19th century gave new life to the town, and by the turn of the century fishermen relocated to Loreto to harvest the local waters.

After World War II, fishermen came to Loreto, mostly by plane, to fish in the legendary waters of the Sea of Cortez. In 1973, Highway 1 was completed through Loreto, enabling more tourists to discover the town.

In recent years, Loreto has seen a gentrification of its physical plant. The buildings in the central area have been significantly restored and refurbished, and new developments have taken place.

FONATUR

FONATUR, Mexico's National Fund for Tourist Development, was created in 1973 by the Mexican Congress to promote the development of new large tourist resorts throughout the country, and to raise the necessary capital for needed infrastructure spending through foreign and domestic investment.

FONATUR replaced two existing trusts that until then had held the responsibility of promoting tourist projects. Until its creation, Mexican resort development efforts were often impeded by local and national bureaucracies, retarding the growth potential of the Mexican tourist industry.

The first project to be tackled by FONATUR was Cancun, which proved to be a great success. It then focused on the development of Ixtapa, Cabo San Lucas and the Bays of Huatulco. Loreto was fifth on the list of resort development projects.

Today's Loreto

FONATUR has elected to take a different approach to the development of Loreto than in its past endeavors. This approach is respectful of Loreto's history, and allows it to retain all of its original charm and character.

The Loreto Bay Company is currently developing the Villages of Loreto. Situated on 8,000 acres on the shores of the Sea of Cortes, The Villages of Loreto Bay will be a seaside community of approximately 6,000 homes with mixed-use buildings, narrow, walkable streets and authentic Baja architecture that exists in harmony with its surroundings.

Planned amenities include two 18-hole championship golf courses, a luxurious Beach Club, tranquil spas, a racquet club, along with restaurants, boutiques, galleries and a produce market.

The Loreto Bay Company is committed to making Loreto Bay a sustainable community. This includes environmental preservation, creating jobs, devoting a portion of home sales to the community and setting aside 5,000 acres as a natural preserve.