Established in 1886, the colony was named for the Mexican national hero Benito Juárez. The colony was one of many colonies in Mexico settled by Mormon pioneers, or members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). This colonization was part of the church's larger campaign to establish the State of Deseret while evading the anti-polygamy Edmunds Act of 1882. Although the town was planned before the end of polygamy, much of its growth in the late 19th century was due to Mormon immigrants leaving Utah and other parts of the U.S. due to their practice of polygamy. In addition, Mormon colonies outside of the U.S. proved financially important to the LDS Church during this time when the U.S. Federal government had confiscated much of the church's holdings. There are many descendants of these colonies that have attained prominence in both countries, including Mitt Romney. In addition, many church leaders have roots in these colonies.
