IRAPUATO

city, west-central Guanajuato estado (state), north-central Mexico. Situated in the fertile Bajo, a valley of the central plateau, the city lies along the Irapuato River, a tributary of the Lerma River, at 5,656 feet (1,724 m) above sea level. It is south-southwest of Guanajuato city, the state capital. Irapuato was founded in 1547; an Indian hospital and chapel (La Misericordia) were later built there. The population was active in Mexico's colonial and revolutionary wars. Using irrigation waters from the upper Lerma River, Irapuato is an important agricultural and livestock-raising centre and is the state's second largest city. It is famed for its strawberries; corn (maize), wheat, beans, and chick-peas also thrive in the cool, dry climate, and cattle and pigs are raised. A branch railroad line and road join the main Mexico CityCiudad Jurez railroad and highway at Irapuato. Pop. (1980) 170,138.