Drawn to the story of crows in a field, are we? That is what Cacamilhuacan means in Nahuatl. This is the original name for Lerma.
Welcome to Lerma. It is a municipality just east of Toluca. It lies 54 km west of Mexico City in the State of Mexico. Lerma de Villada was founded in the early colonial period. It was named after the Duke of Lerma in Spain.
Lerma saw two battles during the Mexican War of Independence. These were the Battle of Monte de las Cruces and the Battle of Lerma. After independence, Lerma was briefly the capital of Mexico State. Later, the capital moved to Toluca.
The municipality of Lerma was created in 1826. San Mateo Atenco separated from Lerma in 1871. It took San Pedro Tultepec with it. But this community returned to Lerma in 1874.
Lerma is in a densely populated area of Mexico. It is experiencing rapid growth. This growth is mainly near the Toluca-Mexico City highway. It also expands onto the floodplains of the Lerma River. This location causes flooding problems during the rainy season.
The city center is just north of the Toluca-Mexico City highway. Here stands the Parish of Santa Clara. It dates from 1693. Inside are altarpieces from the 18th century. The Chapel of the Señor de la Caña holds a venerated image of Christ. The Temple of San Francisco dates from the 17th century.
Lerma is known for its cold cuts and sausages. Chorizo is a local specialty. Frog soup used to be a signature dish. Sadly it has mostly disappeared. This is due to the loss of marshlands. However, sometimes you can find tamales with frogs legs.
Before the colonial period, the Lerma River was lagoons and wetlands. These covered much of the river valley. Modifications have dried the marshes. This has left floodplains. The river has dikes. But they are not always sufficient. Garbage clogs drainage canals. The growing population builds on the floodplain. This leads to more flooding.
The most growth has occurred around the Toluca-Mexico City highway. The Lerma Bridge was built between the 17th and 18th centuries. The old highway arch was built in 1942. It is in the national Neoclassical style.
Lerma’s main industrial park is located here. It accounts for about 60% of the municipality’s industry. Businesses produce processed foods, textiles, and automobiles.
Crafts are still practiced in smaller communities. San Pedro Tultepec makes rattles and dolls. San Miguel Ameyalco specializes in embroidered items. They also produce some fireworks. Huitzizilapan and Xochicuautla create adornments for church doors. Santiago Analco, San Pedro Tultepec, and San Miguel Ameyalco make clay comals. San Pedro Tultepec is known for rustic furniture and fireworks.
Lerma is a place where history echoes in modern life. From its colonial roots to its modern industries Lerma continues to evolve. Remember the crows in the field as you explore this dynamic municipality. They are a reminder of Lerma’s rich past.