Due in large part to the persuasion of representative Servando Teresa de Mier, Mexico City was chosen because it was the center of the country's population and history, even though Querétaro was closer to the center geographically. The choice was official on November 18, 1824, and Congress delineated a surface area of two leagues square (8,800 acres) centered on the Zocalo. This area was then separated from the State of Mexico, forcing that state's government to move from the Palace of the Inquisition (now Museum of Mexican Medicine) in the city to Texcoco. This area did not include the population centers of the towns of Coyoacán, Xochimilco, Mexicaltzingo and Tlalpan, all of which remained as part of the State of Mexico. COUNT 5
QSN1 When was Mexico City declared the capital? ANS1 November 18, 1824 QSN2 How large was the area the federal government would proclaim to be the capital? ANS2 two leagues square (8,800 acres) QSN3 Where was the state government located when Mexico City was declared the capital? ANS3 Palace of the Inquisition QSN4 What is the Palace of the Inquisition known as now? ANS4 Museum of Mexican Medicine QSN5 Where was the government of Mexico City moved to at the time it was declared capital of Mexico? ANS5 Texcoco