Nautla, Veracruz |
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Situated on the coastal highway (Carretera Costera) at the mid-point between Tuxpan and Vera Cruz is the town of Nautla. The population is about 10,000. During the conquest of Mexico by the Spaniards, the Totonacs of Nautla were allied with Cortez' troops. In a battle with the Aztecs under Cuauhpopoca, Nautla was destroyed by fire. The repopulated area was given a Spanish overlord in the 17th century by the Viceroy. In the early 19th century, the indigenous and meztiso residents gained improved status, though it is only in the early 20th century that the municipality gained full recognition. Much seems to have happened in the interim. It seems that a strong French influence was exerted during the 19th century as evidenced by unique local architecture, particularly along the river, as well as by the ethnicity of some of the local residents. Anyone willing to enlighten us on the History of Nautla 1814 to 1918 is welcome to do so in the Visitors' Comments section. Please keep it so simple even a gringo can understand. It's easy to understand why this place has been coveted and occupied by every culture that has seen it. This is where the Nautla and Misantla Rivers meet the Gulf of Mexico, right on the beautiful beach area known as the Costa Esmeralda. With freshwater and marine resources complementing some very fertile agricultural areas, this is a very desireable location indeed. The variety of natural riches is reflected in the name itself, as Nautla roughly translates as "the four places" in Nahuatl.
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