History of Yucatán in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 26, 2025

Yucatán is one of the 31 states in Mexico, along with Mexico City, making up the 32 federal entities. It consists of 106 municipalities. Mérida serves as its capital city. The state is located on the Yucatán Peninsula.

1901: End of the Caste War

In 1901, the Caste War of Yucatán officially ended with the occupation of the Maya capital of Chan Santa Cruz by the Mexican army.

November 24, 1902: Creation of the Federal Territory of Quintana Roo

On November 24, 1902, Yucatán experienced a second territorial division when Porfirio Díaz decreed the creation of the Federal Territory of Quintana Roo.

1902: Division of Yucatán to form Quintana Roo

In 1902, during the Porfiriato, the state of Yucatán was divided again to form the Federal territory that later became the present state of Quintana Roo.

1904: Advertising for Workers

In 1904, labour brokers began advertising in newspapers in the Korean port city of Incheon for workers willing to go to Mexico to work on henequen plantations for four- or five-year contracts.

April 1905: Departure of Korean Migrants

In April 1905, a total of more than one thousand Korean workers departed from Incheon on board a British cargo ship to work on henequen plantations in Mexico.

May 1905: Arrival of Korean Immigrants in Yucatán

In May 1905, 1,003 Korean immigrants arrived in Mérida, Yucatán, after a 45-day journey and were contracted for four years of work on henequen haciendas.

1909: End of Contracts and Dispersal of Korean Immigrants

In 1909, at the end of their contracts, Korean immigrants began to disperse further throughout Yucatán, many intermarrying with Yucatecan women.

1976: Election of Francisco Luna Kan

In 1976, Francisco Luna Kan was elected as the first Maya governor of Yucatán.

2011: Mérida Awarded City of Peace

Mérida was awarded City of Peace in 2011.

2016: Yucatán Ranked Among Safest States

As of 2016 the Mexican National Public Security System ranked Yucatán among the safest Mexican states.

August 2024: Official Recognition of the Flag

In August 2024, the flag of Yucatán did not have official recognition in the state, however, it maintained a strong recognition among the people of the state.