Historical Images of the Week: Mexico City by Hot Air Balloon

This is the title page of a book, published in 1869, called “Mexico y Sus Alrededores,” or “Mexico and its Surroundings.” The book includes illustrations by C. Castro, G. Rodriguez and J. Campillo. The book contains a number of fantastic images. For instance, check out this 1875 map of Mexico City:

Mexico City, 1875

Or Castro’s aerial lithograph of Mexico City:

Mexico City, as viewed by hot air balloon

Or there’s this lush image of the Palacio de Iturbide, a building I have peered into many times (in the Centro Historico at Madero #17).

The former home of the Mexican emperor, Agustin de Iturbide, who enjoyed (or perhaps did not enjoy) a short reign in the eighteen twenties…