History Timeline
Little is known of Benque Viejo prior to 1850. According to historic records, Benque Viejo was a Mayan settlement that had been raided by the Mayas from Holmun in Peten.
The following is a timeline of some historic events in Benque Viejo:
1878 - Benque Viejo is described as "an Indian Village".
1882 - it is referred to as more Spanish than Maya in culture with Justo Chan as Alcalde.
1904 - Benque Viejo was officially declared a town by the colonial government of British Honduras.
1918 - Spanish Influenza afflicts killing 10% of the population of 1000 in Benque Viejo.
Benque Viejo becomes the center of commere for the Western District as the era of the Chicle helps to form Benque Viejo as a link between British Honduras and Peten, Guatemala.
1952 - On the eve of Elizabeth II's coronation, riots break and the kerosene street lamps are broken.
1958 - Guatemalan President, Ydigoras Fuentes, reaches the Benque Viejo Police Station requesting permission to visit.
1962 - Antonio Kuylen becomes the first Mayor elected by popular vote. In July of that same year, electric service begins.
1981 - Public kinder opens staffed by teachers Ninfa Moralez and Joyce Can.
1983 - Mopan Technical High School re-opens.
1990 - Mount Carmel High School opens.
1991 - Highway to Benque Viejo and George Price Boulevard are inaugurated.
