Múzquiz

Múzquiz, city, north-central Coahuila estado (state), northeastern Mexico. It lies on a small tributary of the Sabinas River, roughly 1,654 feet (504 metres) above sea level and southwest of the city of Piedras Negras, near the Mexico-U.S. border. Múzquiz was founded as a mission called Santa Rosa in 1674. In 1850 it was established as Villa de Múzquiz, named after Gen. Melchor Múzquiz, who served as acting president of Mexico in 1832. In 1925 it gained official city status. The hot, dry climate has great temperature ranges. Cattle and goats are raised in the area, which also yields corn (maize), beans, wheat, and nuts. The city is a coal-mining centre; silver, lead, and zinc are also mined nearby. Roads run eastward to connect with the main highway and railroad from Piedras Negras to Mexico City. Pop. (2005) 31,999; (2010) 35,060.