"Nonualco" means "tribe of mutes" in the native Nahuat language, referring to the Nonoalca people who settled here around 900 CE.

The primary historical economic activity has been subsistence farming and the cultivation of sugar cane, providing back-breaking work for those willing to bake in the sun swinging their "corvos," curved tobacco-knife like machetes, for a couple of dollars a day.

Santiago Nonualco has a small central market, a few modest stores (tiendas), diners (comedores), bars, doctor's office, pharmacy, a couple of dentists, a small bank (casa de credito), some lawyers, and not much else.

He led his insurgency from a cave located just north of what is now El Salvador International Airport.

After a seven-month-long rebellion, Indio Aquino was captured and executed by firing squad in San Vicente.