[1] Enormous mammoth fossils have been found near the Lerma River, where San Mateo Atenco is today.

This area has been the scene of the development of cultural groups that transited through the Toluca Valley for 20 thousand years.

[3] After the Spanish Conquest, Atenco was governed by Juan Altamirano who was the governor of the Marquise of Toluca.

Since, the beginning of evangelization, Atenco was attended by Franciscans who gave it the name of San Mateo.

[2] During the Mexican War of Independence, Battle of Monte de las Cruces occurred near here in 1810.

The most important architectonic work is the Chapel of San Pedro built in the sixteenth century.

In addition food stuffs are extracted from the lagoon, like quintonil, watercress, water chestnuts, and chichamol.

[1] While the city is home to a number of large industries, it is best known for the making of shoes and other leather products, many of which are sold in a famous market.

As governor of the State of Mexico, Mariano Riva Palacio, separated the municipality of San Mateo Atenco, from the district of Lerma, on October 12, 1871.

[5] San Mateo belongs to the sixth judicial district of the State of Mexico.

[1] San Mateo Atenco is part of the Toluca Valley at a height of 2600 meters, in a flat area with no major features within its borders.

The fauna consists of hares, skunks, ferrets, cacomixtles and tlacuaches; birds like sparrows, swallows, matracas, tordos, turtledoves and owls; and reptiles like snakes, lizards, vipers and chameleons.

[1] In San Mateo Atenco for more than 80 years the most important work source has been the production of footwear.