Magdalena de Kino is a city, part of the surrounding municipality of the same name, located in the Mexican state of Sonora covering approximately 560 square miles (1,460 square kilometers). According to the 2005 census, the city's population was 23,101, and the municipality's was 25,500. Magdalena de Kino is in the northern section of Sonora 50 miles (80 kilometers) from the Mexico-U.S. border. To the north the municipality abuts Nogales; to the south, the municipality of Santa Ana; to the east, Ímuris and Cucurpe; and to the west, the municipalities of Tubutama and Sáric. Its main sectors include San Ignacio, San Isidro, Tacicuri, and Sásabe. The city was named after the pioneer Roman Catholic missionary and explorer, Father Eusebio Francisco Kino, who worked in the area, as well as in the present-day US state of Arizona.

History

Originally, the territory was populated by the Papagos (Tohono O'odham) and Pimas (Akimel O'odham). The first missions were established in 1687, with the arrival of Eusebio Francisco Kino. Mission Santa María Magdalena was Kino's personal headquarters from about 1690. Construction of mission buildings took place beginning in 1705, under the supervision of Agustín de Campos. Upon Kino's death in 1711, he was buried in the chapel. The municipal seat was founded at the beginning of the 18th century by Lieutenant Juan Bautista Escalante. Native raiders repeatedly destroyed the mission complex during the eighteenth century. It was rebuilt in 1730, and destroyed again in 1757. Raiders attacked again in 1776, when Pedro Font was the missionary in residence.

Geography

Climate

Economy

Agriculture is a key economic activity throughout the municipality. Of the 3300 acre of arable land, 2,800 (approximately 85%) are irrigated. Crops include fruit, wheat, maize, common bean and sorghum. Cattle ranching is also an important source of income within the municipality. Mission Garden in Tucson, Arizona, includes an area that shows historical Mexican influences on the region's agriculture. The design of that area reflects modern-day Magdalena de Kino. The industry employs approximately 2,000 individuals, primarily at the various maquiladoras. In addition, the city's businesses produce beverages, construction and furniture.

Primary tourist attractions

Magdalena de Kino has 6 hotels and 6 bars/restaurants and several sites of interest to tourists, including:

Notable people

References in popular culture

Magdalena de Kino is the subject of a song by The Killers frontman, Brandon Flowers. 'Magdalena' appears on his solo album Flamingo. Magdalena de Kino was also a filming site for Fast and The Furious.

International relations

Twin towns – Sister cities

Magdalena de Kino is twinned with: