The name Huatabampo is from the local Mayo language: "Huata" (Willow) + "Bampo" (Water), or "Willow in/near the Water".[1]
Huatabampo is also known as "Tierra de Generales" (Land of Generals) since during the Mexican Revolution (1910–1917) several high-ranking revolutionary generals emerged from the town.[2] Among them is Álvaro Obregón (1880–1928), who was born in Navojoa, but lived for many years in Huatabampo, the only undefeated general in the war. He was elected President of the Mexican Republic (1920–1924) after the war, being an important link between the war-devastated country and the first stages of political, economical and social development. He was assassinated in 1928 after his election to a second term, before he could take office. He is buried in the old local cemetery.
Other generals from the area were General José Tiburcio Otero Toledo (1834–1900), a famous military and a governor of Sonora, and General
Ignacio Otero Pablos (1896–1970), who was Ambassador to the Dominican Republic and Venezuela and also a candidate for governor of Sonora.
Demographics
The population was 74,533 in 2005, with 29,789 inhabitants living in the municipal seat. Other towns are Ejido la Unión, Yavaros, Sahuaral de Otero, Etchoropo, Huatabampito, Moroncarit, Agiabampo, Estación Luis, Las Bocas, El Caro, Citavaro, Pozo Dulce, and El Júpare.
Huatabampo is a major agricultural producer for the area, its produce includes chickpeas as well as assorted fruit, vegetable and cereal crops. Cattle and swine raising is also very important.
Since Huatabampo has 120 km (75 mi) of coastline, fishing plays a major role in the economy. There are over 3,000 registered fishermen and around 20 open sea trawlers, in addition to almost 1,000 small boats. Shrimp raising has also become a major industry in recent years.
In 2000 there were 8 industries for industrialization of sardines, crab, and shrimp. The production of fish oil and fish flour is also important.
