In 1755, the Spanish founded Presidio Santa Gertrudis del Altar in response to the 1751 Pima Rebellion.

Surrounding municipalities are Sáric, Tubutama, Atil, Trincheras, Pitiquito, Caborca and Oquitoa.

The main crops are wheat, cotton, corn, beans, sorghum, and table grapes.

The town is also a staging area for the flow of immigrants that will attempt entry into the United States through the shared Sonoran Desert.

The largest localities (cities, towns, and villages) are:[3] This article about a location in the Mexican state of Sonora is a stub.