The road to statehood was long for Aguascalientes, and involved frequent jurisdictional disagreements with the neighboring states of Jalisco and Zacatecas. The region continued to grow despite setbacks, including a massive epidemic from 1738-1739 that killed 1,018 people, mostly Indians. In 1617 Aguascalientes achieved the status of an alcaldГa mayor, or territory, when it was separated from Lagos de Moreno (part of the state of Jalisco). It is believed that the city was sacked and destroyed by northern nomadic tribes known as the Chichimecas about 900 A.D. Ceramics, stone utensils, textiles and cave paintings have been discovered in the area. was the main pre-hispanic center in Aguascalientes. The town of El Ocote, inhabited as early as 300 A.D. The indigenous groups of this region included the Caxcanes farmers in the southwest, the nomadic Zacatecos in the north and the warlike Guachichiles in the east.

Specialties of the region include hog ribs with guava sauce, cheese-and-butter tamales, breads from Calvillo and desserts such as chocolatina and el ate, a traditional solid candy. Despite its small size, Aguascalientes boasts a rich culinary tradition. Named after the numerous hot springs in the area, Aguascalientes, one of the smallest Mexican states, is also known as a manufacturing center and for its table wines, brandy, aguardiente and other fruit liquors.

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