History of Toluca in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 12, 2026

Toluca de Lerdo is the capital of the State of Mexico and the seat of the Municipality of Toluca. As of 2020, the city has a population of over 910,000, forming the core of the Greater Toluca metropolitan area, which boasts a population of over 2.3 million, making it the fifth most populous metropolitan area in Mexico. Its growth is largely attributed to its location 63 kilometers southwest of Mexico City.

1910: "16 de Septiembre" Market Design

In 1910, engineer Manuel Arratia designed the building to accommodate the "16 de Septiembre" market, now the Cosmovitral.

1910: Centennial of Independence and Plaza España Inauguration

In 1910, the people of Toluca celebrated a century of Independence, and the Plaza España was inaugurated.

February 12, 1917: Deportivo Toluca Fútbol Club Founded

On February 12, 1917, the Deportivo Toluca Fútbol Club, the largest sports institution in the city, was founded.

August 8, 1935: Estadio Nemesio Diez Inauguration

On August 8, 1935, the Estadio Nemesio Diez, the stadium of the Deportivo Toluca Fútbol Club, was officially inaugurated.

January 1936: Nevado de Toluca National Park Established

In January 1936, the Nevado de Toluca area was converted into the Nevado de Toluca National Park, encompassing about 1,517 square kilometers.

1944: Industries Settled in Toluca

Since 1944, many industries have settled in Toluca, contributing to its economic importance.

1954: Liga MX Participation

Since 1954, the Deportivo Toluca Fútbol Club men's club has been participating in the Liga MX.

1956: Institute Became Autonomous University

In 1956, the Literary Institute, later named the Scientific and Literary Institute, became an autonomous university.

1958: Adolfo López Mateos President of Mexico

Adolfo López Mateos, an alumnus of UAEM, became president of Mexico in 1958.

1964: Adolfo López Mateos End of Presidency

In 1964, Adolfo López Mateos term as president of Mexico ended.

1965: Toluca-Lerma-Tianguistenco Industrial Zone

In 1965, the industrial zone of Toluca-Lerma-Tianguistenco, located on the north side of Toluca, began attracting industries to the area.

1968: Chrysler's Toluca Car Assembly

Since 1968, Chrysler's Toluca Car Assembly has been manufacturing automobiles.

1978: Bishopric Moved to Main Cathedral

In 1978, the seat of the bishopric was moved to the main cathedral from the Tercer Orden Temple.

1980: Cosmovitral Inauguration

In 1980, the Cosmovitral, a botanical garden with stained glass windows, was inaugurated.

1990: Cosmovitral Completion

In 1990, the Cosmovitral was completed.

2007: Toluca Airport Passengers

In 2007, the Toluca airport attracted 2.2 million airline passengers who live in Mexico City.

2008: Toluca Airport Passenger Projection

It was projected that in 2008, the Toluca Airport would serve up to five million travelers.

2015: Huizi Bike Share System Launched

In 2015, Toluca's Huizi public bike share system was launched with 27 stations and 350 bicycles, operated by PBSC Urban Solutions.

2017: Deportivo Toluca Femenil Founded

In 2017, the women's professional soccer club Deportivo Toluca Femenil was founded and participated in the Liga MX Femenil.

October 2020: El Insurgente Rail Line Estimate

As of October 2020, it was estimated that the commuter rail line known as "El Insurgente" would open in 2023.

2020: Toluca Population

In 2020, Toluca had a population of 910,608. The Greater Toluca metropolitan area had a combined population of 2,347,692, making it the fifth most populous metropolitan area in Mexico.