[2] When the Spanish arrived the area was populated by various sedentary tribes settled along the banks of the Altar and Magdalena rivers.

The mission at Pitiquito was founded by Eusebio Francisco Kino in 1694 with the name of Natividad del Señor de Pitiquin.

Main crops are alfalfa, beans, corn, grapes, sorghum, and the production of fodder for the cattle industry.

A Mexican alternative energy company Biofields is constructing an algae to ethanol system covering several square miles which will process the exhaust from the electric plant.

Of touristic importance is the San Diego del Pitiquito mission, which sits in the center of town.

It has an attractive bay with fine sand beaches and gentle waves, which invite visitors for practicing aquatic sports such as swimming, sailing and angling.