The presidios in the northern frontier of New Spain, and his transformation in towns

Abstract

Since XVI century, the presidio became the main instrument in the protection and pacification of the arid lands of the northern territory of Mexico, in his evolution from guard of the roads and small settlements, and congregation with missions, mining towns and rancherias, to the most efficient strategy of “la linea” and finally the defensive net connecting villas; There were always a continuous idea of a general planning of the territory and a urban process of transformation of the military presidios in civil towns.