18 de Marzo Refinery, Major petroleum refinery in Azcapotzalco, Mexico
The 18 de Marzo Refinery was an oil processing facility in Azcapotzalco that converted crude oil into gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum products, handling around 100,000 barrels daily. The industrial complex featured large storage tanks and extensive pipe networks that defined the neighborhood's industrial character for decades.
The facility opened in 1933 under El Águila company ownership and operated as a private enterprise. In 1938, Mexico's petroleum expropriation brought it under state control as part of the newly nationalized oil industry.
The refinery's name marks March 18, 1938, when President Lázaro Cárdenas nationalized Mexico's oil industry, a watershed moment for the country's sovereignty. This commemorative naming reflects how industrial sites can embody pivotal chapters in a nation's story.
The refinery closed in 1991 and underwent systematic dismantling afterward. Visitors can explore the grounds today as Parque Bicentenario, where the industrial space has been transformed into green areas and community facilities.
The former refinery grounds were converted into Parque Bicentenario, a public park with gardens and recreational spaces. This transformation demonstrates how industrial sites can be reclaimed as gathering places for the community.
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