The city of Torreón , the "Perla de la Ldtjüna" (PearI of La Laguna), is located in the southeastern part of the state of Coahuila. The city is close to the state ot Durango where you find the cities of Gómex Palacio and Lerdo. "La Laguna". These cities can be arrived by plañe or car communicated to the major cities in the country such as Mexico , Guadalajara . Monferrey , Chihuahua , Ciudad Juárez, Tijuana

Downtown Torreón is divided into three sectors that form a tríangle borderéd by three boulevards. These are Independencia 0 , Revolución and Diagonal
Reforma this three sectors are dtvlded by Calzado Colón an avenue that is the pride of the residents of Torreon and by Calzada Cuauhtémóc an avenue fo the east that is known for ifs business.

There are many attractions waiting to be seen in downtown Torreón. Standing ouf is Paseo déla Morelos a beautiful avenue famous jn México for Ifs distinctive legendary palm tress.

Also along this avenue are a great variety of businesses, hotels and restaurants. Along Juárez and Hidalgo streets you will find many businesses. The Plaza de Armas is a square that has four beautiful fountains and around this garden you will find attractive buildings that stand out for there architecture. On the northern side are three of the largést buildings Morelos, the Banco de Mexico, a bank. Hotel Palacio Real, a hotel and Edificio Monterrey. On the southern side are same buildings made of quarry these ate two banks and between them the famous Casino de la Laguna which was inaugurated on September 15, 1910 lo commemorate 100 years of the independence of México! s

Not far from the Plaza de Armas is the Mercado Juárez a market that has a variety of eateries that offer good food. You will find an array of regional crafts. The symbol of the city a " Torreon " or turret can be fond on rings, cups, ashtrays; holders and salt shakers.

Also in downtown is the church of Guadalupe which dates back more then 100 years. You can admire attractive buildings Iike the oíd Francia hotel, the Salvador hotel which is now a Howard Johnson, the Galicia hotel and the Casa Arocena. Also interesting is the Eduardo Guerra archives and historical center where you will find documented of great historical value as well-as the four original-? sculptures that can be seen On the fountains in The Plaza de Armas. In the eastern section you will come across oriental style residences which v/ere^í?

Built in the time of great prosperity in the region. These homes have since been * restored and converted into offices in the córner of the streets Presidente Carranza and Leona Vicario you can see the remains of what used to be smelter number 3 a fower of great architectural beauty. a historical monument!. I

Waiting to be visited is the Perpetuo Socorro temple with its colourful stained-glass windows and beautiful alter carved out of '.fine wooden. You will also find the Methodist temple San Pablo on Morelos avenue , the Catedral del Carraeri and you must not miss the majestic Isauro Martínez theatre. All this and much more await you in the downtown area. Other sites gf interest are the museo Museo del Torreoncifd this museum iá in the sector known as the Alianza and is of historical interest since it was here that Ihe city of Torreón was founded. The Museo de la Revolución is considered the smallest museum in the world and Is located in La Casa Colorada or red house. You must also visit Plaza de la Constitución with, its monumental turret, the museum and the Cerro de las Noas. Future plans contemplate building The Rotonda de los Laguneros ilustres honoring those famous men and women who were born or lived in La Laguna.

The chinese massacre in Torreon

When Maderista forces entered the Chínese Bank, regardless of further information or any law process, they proceeded to kill those Chínese who had sought for shelter. It was a hair-raising act in itself: some of them were shot dead and others were thrown down the Windows from upper stories. The survivors were dragged through the city streets until they died.

The most horrifying descriptions abound about the massacre. Some historians point out that 303 Chínese died and were later buried at the Cemetery's outskirts. The looting and killing did not stop until may 16, when control was taken over by an Army Command. Emilio Madero, brother of elected President Francisco I. Madero, restored peace and offered whole guarantees to Torreon 's people.

Thus finished a painful episode that it is being revealed as another lesson from History, the teacher of Ufe.

It should be also noted that General Francisco Villa did not intervene ¡n the massacre, as it painfully has been spread.

The battle began on May, 13, 1911 . The Revolutionaries' offensive developed as it comes: Sixto Ugalde hit by the Nazas River, and La Casa Colorada (The Red House) flank; José Agustín Castro from the Cemetery side; Juan Ramírez hit San Joaquín, Epitacio Rea hit in La Polvorera and Benjamín Argumedo El Pajonal, located in Torreon's East side.

Maderista troops occupied Torreón at seven in the morning on May 15, therefore completing the city's first takeover. The revolutionary forces had no control at all. There was looting of prívate property as well as píllage of food in warehouses. Those who had been identifíed as Social Defense's members were also searched.

The Maderista forces were after those Chínese suspects of being loyal to the Federal Army. It was not hard to find them provided that they had been the only ones that would not flee with the enemies of the people's cause. Somebody squealed on the Revolutionary forces that the Chínese were hidden at the Chínese Bank, located in Juárez and Valdez Carrillo streets, ¡n Torreón actual downtown área.