Quito – History

Quito can trace its history back thousands of years to 8000 BC based on findings at the archaeological site “El Inga”. Discovered in the 1950s were projectile points, showcasing that the people of the land were of the hunter-gatherer type. A second considerable settlement can be traced back to 1500 BC. A prehistoric village was more than 26 hectares in size and irrigated by the local creeks. The earliest Colonial inhabitants referred to the indigenous people as the Quito and referred to the area as the Kingdom of Quito. These people would rule the area until the 15^th century when the Inca took control. The descendants of the Quito people would survive long after that, even through the Spanish conquest of the city.

The Inca would resist early Spanish colonization, however, would face defeat with the execution of the leader Rumiñawi. Quito was formally declared a city in 1541 and was given the formal name Muy Noble y Muy Leal Ciudad de San Francisco de Quito (Very Noble and Loyal City of San Francisco of Quito) in 1556. A Viceroyalty of Peru until 1717, Quito was essentially a seat of the administrative district of Spain. Roman Catholicism was established in Quito and the first church, El Belén, was built. This was followed by the development of the San Francisco Convent in 1535.

Quito would grow to a city of nearly 10,000 people over a nearly 200-year period. In 1765, Quito was briefly independent of Spain during what was referred to as the Quito Revolt. This year-long battle saw the city temporarily overthrow the Spanish Viceroyalty of New Granada for a period of almost one year. Initially fueled by anger over taxation, however the movement would collapse in 1776 and effectively return the city back to Spanish control. This event was considered a precursor to the other revolts that would occur throughout Spanish America in the years to come. In 1809, a separate movement would once again see Quito gain independence from the Spanish. This would be short lived, as in 1810, troops from Peru would arrive and kill leaders of the movement.

Independence for Quito and Ecuador would only come later. In 1822, the revolutionary Simón Bolívar would successfully lead troops to the Battle of Pichincha. The success in this battle would lead to independence for Quito, Ecuador, and other surrounding territories in South America. Independence would unfortunately not equate to peace in the city. For several decades starting in 1833, various government authorities, politicians, and figureheads would be murdered, poisoned, or removed from power. This would include an 1882 uprising against the dictator Ignacio de Veintimilla as well as the lynching of liberal commander Eloy Alfaro. 1932 saw the Four Day’s War, a short domestic conflict that would remove Neptalí Bonifaz Ascázubi from the Presidency.

Modern-day Ecuador has focused on the restoration and maintenance of its historical center. Additionally, many of the roads within the city have been extended or enlarged to help deal with increased traffic and larger busses that traverse them. The city is working to further develop its infrastructure with the launch of a new subway system. Most of Quito’s people work in the country’s top industries including petroleum, textiles, and chemicals. Quito’s old town, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978 represents one of the most well-preserved towns in all of South America. Quito is the oldest of all South American capitals.

Historical Locations

Plaza de la Independencia

Address: La Plaza Grande, Quito
Phone: N/A
Operating Hours: N/A
Admission Cost: N/A
Website (unofficial)

Parque Metropolitano Rumipamba

Address: La Plaza Grande, Quito
Phone: +593 2-242-313
Operating Hours:
Monday closed
Tuesday closed
Wednesday 9:00am – 4:00pm
Thursday 9:00am – 4:00pm
Friday 9:00am – 4:00pm
Saturday 9:00am – 4:00pm
Sunday 9:00am – 4:00pm
Holidays 9:00am – 4:00pm
Admission Cost: N/A
Website

Ruta del Chaquiñan

Address: Gral. Eloy Alfaro, Puembo 170179
Phone: N/A
Operating Hours: N/A
Admission Cost: N/A
Website (unofficial)