First Printing Press in the Americas
​was Established in Mexico

The House of the First Printing Press in the Americas, also known as Casa de la Primer Imprenta de América, in Mexico City, Mexico, was the first printing press established in the Americas. Its grand cultural and historical importance is an unknown jewel to many. In 1539, after receiving permission from Charles the V King of Spain, the Archbishop of Mexico City, Juan Zumárraga, successfully brought the printing press from Europe to Mexico, thus establishing the first printing press of the Americas. The press was installed in the house of the Spanish publisher Juan Cromberger, who left the Italian printer, Juan Pablos, in charge. They soon began printing church and government related documents.
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Throughout the centuries, many people have taken hold of the House of the First Printing Press in the Americas. In the 17th century, the Monastery of Santa Teresa de la Orden de las Carmelas Reformadas were in charge of it. In the 18th century it belonged to the Royal Military Order of Nuestra Señora de la Merced Redención de Cautivos de la Ciudad de México. In 1847, U.S. troops occupied the house, destroying the archives that were within. In 1989, the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM) bought the house. During its restoration an Aztec serpent head stone was discovered, providing more history than was originally imagined. The house is currently a museum and has a diversity of artistic and cultural events throughout the year. It is open 7 days a week from 10am-5pm. Located at Lic. Primo Verdad no.10, Centro Histórico, 06010 Cuauhtémoc, CDMX, Mexico.

Night picture of the Casa de la Primer Imprenta de América

Plaque outside Casa de la Primer Imprenta de América

Printing press inside Casa de la Primer Imprenta de América

Title page of Arte de Lengva Mexicana, published in 1675

Title page of the Phisica speculatio, published in 1557

Aztec serpent head stone

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​​Gerald A. Padilla 
​2/19/2017

Gerald A. Padilla (Los Angeles, CA) is founder and director of Latino Book Review, founder of Jade Publishing, founder of the Festival Internacional de Poesía Latinoamericana (FEIPOL), founder of Latin American Foundation for the Arts. He is co-author of the first children's book in Náhuatl in the U.S., Noyolkanyolkej.

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