History of Bacoachi, Sonora

Origin and Name

The area now known as Bacoachi was originally inhabited by Ópata-Tehuima tribes, who called it "Cuchibaciachi". The name “Bacoachi” comes from the Ópata word vaccaratzi, meaning "water snake" or "place surrounded by water."

Arrival of the Spaniards and Foundation

In 1644, Spanish explorer Pedro de Perea reached the region; later, Jesuit missionaries Ignacio Molarja, Jerónimo de la Canal, and Pedro Pantoja attempted to evangelize the locals but were rejected. As a result, Simón Lazo de la Vega, chief magistrate and war captain, intervened to subdue the tribes. In 1649, he founded a Spanish settlement in the area, which later became Bacoachi.

The Historic Temple

The San Miguel Arcángel Parish is one of the town’s historical jewels. Built in 1678 by Italian missionary Ignacio Molarja, it served as a mission and was completely modified centuries later. Today, it is listed as a Historic Monument by the INAH and was last rebuilt in 1952.

Political Development

In 1813, Bacoachi was declared a municipality for the first time during the political division of the State of the West under the Cádiz Constitution, which required municipal governments in towns with over 1,000 inhabitants. This status was lost the following year but regained with the new constitutions of 1820 and 1825. In 1831, it became part of the Arizpe District, a condition maintained in subsequent divisions.

Illustrious Son: José Ignacio Tato

José Ignacio Terán y Tato Bustamante, born in Bacoachi, was a notable 19th-century military and political figure. He served as a deputy, led campaigns against Apaches and filibusters, and was appointed consul in Liverpool by Emperor Maximilian. In his will, he donated a significant sum to build two primary schools in his hometown, as well as to support hospitals in Sonora. In 1873, he was declared “Benefactor of Sonora.”

Legends and Traditions

A local legend tells that during an Apache attack on the San Miguel temple, a winged warrior appeared, repelling the enemy—an event said to have discouraged future raids. This story reflects the warrior character of the town’s patron, the Archangel.

Today

Bacoachi is one of the smallest towns in the state, with a population of 1,036 according to the 2020 census. It is part of the Río Sonora Route, a tourist and gastronomic corridor connecting it to other communities in the valley.