Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/47

Rh, had rapidly risen from a landing-station, known by the name of Buitron, the chief settler, to receive in 1615 the title of city. But the buildings were hastily and irregularly constructed, chiefly of wood, and when, in December 1618, a fire broke out in the barracks, the flames spread under a strong north wind, and consumed the best part of the place, inflicting a loss of over two million pesos. Prompt aid was given toward rebuilding on a safer and more regular plan.

On February 13th the whole country was startled by an earthquake which lasted for a quarter of an hour, and extended from Central America far northward. "It demolished buildings, rent hills and mountains, disclosed deep caverns, and brought forth new lakes. Rivers flowed with black waters. At sea terrible sights were seen, and many vessels went under. Fish sought refuge on land from their natural element."

Owing to the insecurity of the road between Vera Cruz and Mexico, infested by robber bands, the town of Córdoba was in April 1618 founded in the foothills, on the more southern route later followed by the railroad to the capital. Its prosperity was soon assured by extensive sugar and tobacco plantations, and it received also a share of health-seekers from Vera Cruz, as did the more important town of Orizaba, to the west, where sanitary facilities still attract people. Córdoba received its name from the