Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico — The Southeast (Yucatan Peninsula)

The Sheriff's House

Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, January 12, 2017

1. The Sheriff's House Marker

Inscription.
Casa del Aguacil
Calle 62 No. 500
por 61
Patrimonio de la Nación
Habitada en 1783 por
D. José Cano
Alguacil Mayor de Mérida

English translation:
The Sheriff’s House
No. 500 on 62nd Street at the corner of 61st Street
Heritage of the Nation
The Sheriff of Mérida, José Cano, lived here in 1783

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Government & Politics • Law Enforcement. A significant historical year for this entry is 1783.

Location. 20° 58.083′ N, 89° 37.447′ W. Marker is in Mérida, Yucatán. Marker is on Calle 62 just north of Calle 61, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 500 Calle 62, Mérida YU 97000, Mexico. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. "The Louvre" (within shouting distance of this marker); "The Omnibus" (within shouting distance of this marker); The Municipal Palace (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); House of Mr. Andrés Quintana Roo (about 120 meters away); Pedz Balam House (about 120 meters away); La Nacional Building (about 150 meters away); The Gran Hotel (about 150 meters away); The Main Square of Merida (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mérida.

Regarding The Sheriff's House.

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This building was built in the 17th century as the residence of the conquistador Cristóbal de San Martín, then owned by Juan de Montejo, and in 1783, by José Fernández Cano Bingas de Alvarado, the Sheriff of Mérida, who married to Josefa Roo y Rodríguez de la Gala. The sheriff (the head of of local security) strategically decided to live in this property, since it was close to the public jail of the city (now Pasaje Picheta) and the Municipality Offices. Originally the building was built on a single floor, but was eventually expanded to include a second floor residence with the ground floor used as shops and wineries. Its main access, with a carved stone frame, is on 62nd street. There is another similar portico on the top floor, where a hotel and a restaurant once functioned, with semicircular arches and solid wood doors. Currently the upper floor is unoccupied, and the ground floor includes a restaurant, a currency exchange, a traditional ice cream store and other business.

Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, January 12, 2017

2. The Sheriff's House Marker

The marker is far to the left along the building to the north on Calle 62. The marker is just to the right of the "Mundo Maya" arts and crafts shop.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 14, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 31, 2017, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. This page has been viewed 179 times since then and 3 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 31, 2017, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana.