Jacobo Harrotian

Jacobo Harrotian (also spelled Harrotián, or Hagop Harootian ; Armenian:Յակոբ Յարութիւնեան; 1862 – 1935) was an Armenian-Mexican military officer that participated in the Mexican Revolution. Born in 1862 in Aleppo, he immigrated to Mexico, where he became a prominent miner, entrepreneur, and community benefactor in the state of Guerrero. He later held command during the revolution before going into exile following political persecution.

Early life

Harrotian was born in 1862 to an Armenian family in Aleppo. . He also operated a local store known as La Armenia, from which he also provided medical services.

Exile and later life

Shortly after the Battle of Zacatecas and the subsequent fall of Huerta's government, Harrotian and his family faced political persecution due to their Huertista affiliation. His wife Benita, died on their way out of the country.

Legacy

Harootian’s most enduring legacy stems from his extensive philanthropic initiatives in Zumpango del Río and the surrounding region of Guerrero, where he used the wealth generated from his mining and commercial enterprises to fund public infrastructure and improve community.

He personally financed and constructed key roads connecting Zumpango del Río to neighboring villages. He established a piped water system drawing from his lands in La Ciénega to supply public fountains, installed an electricity-generating plant, and introduced the first automobile to the area. He offered free medical services to all residents and operated his store La Armenia on fair terms

His former residence, known as the Casa del Armenio, was later repurposed as the municipal town hall and now houses the Jacobo Harootian Cultural Center.