Think of Monterrey’s early days a time of exploration and settlement. San Nicolás de los Garza emerged from this very era. It began as Estancia de Pedro de la Garza. This translates to Pedro de la Garza’s Estate. Now it is simply known as San Nicolás.
San Nicolás de los Garza stands as a coextensive municipality within Nuevo León. It firmly sits inside the Monterrey metropolitan area. It’s now known as a residential city with family houses. Yet some factories remain here. They tend to move to the outskirts of the metro area over time. San Nicolás proudly claims its spot as the state’s fifth-largest city. It follows Monterrey, Guadalupe, Ciudad Apodaca and General Escobedo in size.
Let’s rewind to the founding of San Nicolás de los Garza on February 5, 1597. Its initial name honored Pedro de la Garza. Over time it evolved into Estancia de San Nicolás. It finally became Estancia de San Nicolás de los Garza.
The first inhabitants of this land were Amerindian tribes. Most of them led nomadic lives. Among them were the Alazapas, Ayalas, and Alincheños. San Nicolás arose soon after Monterrey. Diego de Montemayor granted permission to settle here. The recipients were Diego Díaz de Berlanga, Pedro de Iñigo, Domingo Manuel, and Pedro de la Garza. These families are viewed as the city’s first settlers.
Diego Díaz de Berlanga played a key role. He wrote Monterrey’s Foundation Act. He also authorized the first land permissions for its settlers. In 1830, the area gained village status. It was named San Nicolás de los Garza. This honored the town’s patron saint. May 12, 1970 marked a milestone. It was declared a city.
In the 20th century San Nicolás became an industrial center. Companies like Cemex, Vitro, Peñoles and Hylsa set up factories here. The 1970s saw San Nicolás gain popularity as a place to live. This led to a surge in house construction. Open land made this boom possible. During the 1980s many industrial facilities relocated. They primarily moved to Apodaca. It remains within the Monterrey Metropolitan Area.
The late 1980s and early 1990s brought large malls. These served the growing population. Commerce took over from industrial production. Key malls include La Fe, Citadel, Las Plazas Outlet, Plaza Fiesta Anahuac, Sendero and Universidad Avenue.
San Nicolás is home to the main campus of the UANL. That is the Autonomous University of Nuevo León. It stands as one of Mexico’s most prestigious public schools. The UANL system has 26 colleges, 22 post-graduate divisions and 24 high schools.
San Nicolás de los Garza thrives as a city of progress. It remembers its roots while embracing the future. It honors its founders and patron saint. It has grown from an estate into a modern city. It offers residence, education and commerce. San Nicolás continues to evolve.