It was founded in 1895, but was not officially recognized as the seat of the region until 29 September 1908, by President Rafael Reyes.

The original seat of the region was destroyed on 13 November 1985, after an eruption of the Nevado del Ruiz Volcano produced lahars that buried the town and killed about 23,000 people.

While the destruction of the town made world news in its own right, the best known victim was Omayra Sánchez, a young girl who died after being trapped by water and concrete up to her neck for three days.

Armando Armero is a foundation set up to bring social and economic development to a zone that has been devastated in the aftermath of the last eruption of Ruiz.

There are memorial sites at each of the important places of the city (such as hospitals, parks, and theaters) near the ruins.