El Triunfo, Baja California Sur
El Triunfo is a small mining town in La Paz Municipality, Baja California Sur, about 4½ miles north of San Antonio. In 1862, silver and gold were discovered in the southern B.C.S. mountains, leading miners from Mexico and the United States to set up camp. Once the largest city in B.C.S, it was home to more than 10,000 miners. In its heyday the town was a cultural center, where Francisca Mendoza taught and performed. Pianos and other instruments were brought to El Triunfo from all over the world and a piano museum still exists. Another remnant of the past is the 35-meter-high smokestack designed by Gustav Eiffel. The mines shut down in 1926 and most people left. The 2010 census reported a population of 321 inhabitants. It is located at an elevation of 483 meters (1,585 feet) above sea level.
Moving forward to the present and near past. Several folks with the heart to restore and the muscle and determination to do something about it have restored and/or are in the process of restoring several of the old buildings and converting them to restaurants, museums, boutiques, etc. in an effort to attract tourism.
Sources
- http://www.loscabosguide.com/eltriunfo/index.html
- http://www.bajaexpo.com/cities/eltriunfo.htm
- http://www.bajainsider.com/baja-california-travel/baja-destinations/el-triunfo/history-piano-museum.htm
- http://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2008AM/finalprogram/abstract_147777.htm
- http://www.escapesmagazine.com.mx/el-triunfo-a-glorious-quiet-town/
- 2010 census tables: INEGI
Coordinates: 23°48′14″N 110°06′22″W / 23.80389°N 110.10611°W