Wasn’t Guanajuato

I have visited Guanajuato and I agree with Cecil Smith (May 11) that it is a charming city with a rich history and many artistic and architectural attractions.

However, I must disagree with Smith’s assertion that Guanajuato was the site of the execution of Emperor Maximilian. That tragic event took place in 1867 in the lovely city of Queretaro, which has played a pivotal role in much of the history of Mexico. The execution by firing squad took place on the Cerro de las Campanas (Hill of the Bells) on the outskirts of Queretaro. The hill today is occupied by a chapel dedicated to the ill-fated emperor and a huge monument to the man who defeated him and returned the government of Mexico to the Mexicans, Benito Juarez.

DONALD A WAY

Rancho Palos Verdes