[2] The Ojuela Mine, about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) southeast of Mapimí, is a famous locality for mineral specimens, especially adamite.

[3] When the Spanish first arrived in the Mapimí area in the late 16th century, nomadic and semi-nomadic Native Americans such as the Tepehuan, Tobosos, and Cocoyones were the inhabitants.

The name derives from the Cocoyones who called the area "Mapeme," meaning "high mountain."

As with most early settlements in Northern Mexico, the abundant minerals in the area were the attraction for settlers.

[1] The Toboso and other Indian groups began raiding in the Mapimí area and participated in wars against Spanish settlements in 1644, 1667, and 1684.