Geography of Saltillo
Saltillo, Mexico, the capital of Coahuila state, about 440 miles (710 km) north-northwest of Mexico City. Saltillo lies about a mile (1,600 m) above sea level in an agricultural and mining area. The city has some manufacturing, and is especially noted for brightly colored scrapes. It is a popular summer resort. Among prominent buildings are the 18th-century cathedral, one of the finest in northern Mexico, and the Palacio del Gobierno, the state capitol.
Saltillo was founded by the Spanish late in the 1500's and soon became the headquarters for northward exploration. From 1824 until 1836 it was the capital of a territory that included Texas and Coahuila. The Battle of Buena Vista in the Mexican War was fought nearby in 1847.
Population: 562,587.