Culture

Accidentally discovered in late 1533, Baja California has a history that blends ambition, scientific curiosity, evangelizing zeal and the challenges of nature. For over 150 years, it was considered an island, and several expeditions landed here in search of the pearls that originally made it famous. They all failed because of the difficulties of obtaining supplies, the resistance of the Indians and attacks by pirates, until October 25 1697 when Juan María Salvatierra created the first permanent settlement when he established the mission of Nuestra Señora de Loreto.  The mission constituted an initial attempt at colonization, and served as the capital of the territory until 1829 when an earthquake destroyed the city and the capital was relocated to La Paz. It would be another 150 years, however, before Loreto was fully integrated into the country’s development, its international airport was built and its trans-peninsular highway was built.