The following is a timeline of the history of the city of Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico. Prehistory 66 million years ago - The ground beneath Mérida forms part of the impact crater of the meteorite linked to the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event, centred offshore to the North of the city. Prior to 20th century 1542 – Mérida founded by Francisco de Montejo the Younger on site of former city T'ho. 1547 – Franciscan convent active. 1549 – Montejo's residence. 1561 – Mérida Cathedral construction begins. 1598 – Mérida Cathedral construction completed. 1618 – School of Mérida opens. 1624 – established. 1648 – Yellow fever epidemic. 1823 – Yucatán becomes part of Mexico. 1847 – Caste War of Yucatán begins. 1869 – newspaper begins publication. 1888 - Paseo de Montejo opened. 1892 – Government Palace (Palacio de Gobierno) built. 1900 – Population: 43,630. 20th century 1908 - Museum of the City of Merida initiated. 1910 – founded. 1922 – Universidad Nacional del Sureste established. 1925 – Diario de Yucatán newspaper begins publication. 1929 – Airport begins operating. 1949 – Cine Teatro Mérida opens. 1950 – Population: 144,793. 1957 – Monumento a la Patria erected on the Paseo Montejo. 1962 – Instituto Tecnológico de Mérida established. 1978 – Pacheco murals in the Palacio de Gobierno completed. 1983 – Jardin Botanico Regional del CICY (garden) established in . 1988 – The city is hit by Hurricane Gilbert. 1993 – Catholic Pope John Paul II visits city. 1999 – Bill Clinton visits the city in a binational meeting. 2000 – The city is designated as the 1st American Capital of Culture. 21st century 2001 - Yucatan Symphony Orchestra founded. Ana Rosa Payán becomes as the 29th mayor for a second period. 2002 – The city is hit by Hurricane Isidore. 2003 – C.F. Mérida football club formed. 2004 – Manuel Fuentes Alcocer becomes the 30th mayor. 2005 – The city held the International Mathematical Olympiad. 2006 – Mérida host the 18th International Olympiad in Informatics. 2007 - George W. Bush is received in Mérida, here he signs the Mérida Initiative. César Bojórquez Zapata becomes the 31st mayor. 2009 – The city held the 40th International Physics Olympiad. 2010 Angélica Araujo Lara becomes the 32nd mayor. Population: 777,615; Metropolitan Area 973,046. 2011 The International Committee of the Banner of Peace titled Merida as "City of Peace". The city held the II Alianza del Pacífico summit. 2012 –