Imagine a refined mountain retreat. It sits in ruins now. This is Casa del General. The Casa del General Almazán. It is nestled within Chipinque Ecological Park. The ruins evoke a mystical aura.
Casa del General dates back to the 1930s. It belonged to General Juan Andreu Almazán. The house is located on the “El Empalme” gap. It is in the “Delicias” spot.
Who was General Almazán? He was a controversial Mexican military figure. He was born in 1891 in Olinalá, Guerrero. His political-military career saw many shifts. He fought against Porfirio Díaz. He followed the Maderista cause. Later, he joined Zapata against Madero.
He then joined Victoriano Huerta’s forces. Afterward, he reconciled with Zapata. He met Villa. Finally, Álvaro Obregón pardoned him.
The general was skilled in business. He used his political position to make money. He did this through various companies during a peaceful time in the country. He amassed great wealth and recognition. He sought the presidency. This gained him many enemies including Lázaro Cárdenas.
His presidential dream was cut short. He withdrew from public life. He continued his business career. The general died in 1965 at age 74.
In 1926, the general came to Monterrey. He was appointed Head of Operations of the military zone. This zone included Nuevo León and Tamaulipas. Almazán decided to buy land for a rest house. He made this decision while strolling through the San Pedro forest.
Construction of Casa del General began in 1936. It was on that wooded mountain. They envisioned a refined style. The house was completed. It became Almazán’s refuge. He found peace and calm in the San Pedro forest.
The military man acquired several adjacent plots. He intended to start various developments. Many of these were never realized. However, he did positive things. He defended the forest’s resources. He did not allow trees to be cut down. He prevented damage to the area.
After the general’s death, the site was abandoned. Decay gradually took over the building. It eventually fell into ruins. Despite this, the place is popular. Many people use Casa del General as a location for photo shoots.
Casa del General stands as a testament. It represents a controversial figure’s quest. He sought both power and tranquility. The ruins whisper stories of ambition. They also hint at the peace he sought in the mountains.