HIDALGO DEL PARRAL

formerly Parral, city, south-central Chihuahua estado ("state"), north-central Mexico. The city, renamed in honour of the patriot Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, lies on the Parral River 5,449 feet (1,661 m) above sea level and south of Chihuahua, the state capital. An important mining town in the 16th century, it still processes and exports the lead, zinc, silver, copper, and gold that are mined nearby. The city still has a colonial atmosphere, with mule-drawn wagons plying steep, narrow streets. A railroad and a highway lead 48 miles (77 km) east to join the main Ciudad Jurez-Mexico City routes. Pop. (1990 prelim.) 90,703.