The Nineteenth Century
In 1809 Vigo was occupied by the Napoleonic Troops. There was popular resistance headed by the soldier Morillo and a rising led by Cachamuíña succeeded in expelling the French. As a result the city received a title for its bravery, truth and loyalty. In 1833 the royal road leading to Madrid was paved, and became known as the road to Castille or Villacastín. The following year saw the completion of the Collegiate Church by Melchor de Prado, the old church having been destroyed in one of the numerous attacks on the city.
By the middle of the century a branch of the Bank of Spain was opened and a new stone pier was built. As the city continued to grow it was decided to demolish the walls to enable further expansion.
The second half of the 19th century was a period of steady growth. This was due to, among other factors, the links forged with Latin America. In 1855 regular sea routes were set up between Vigo and Havana, Buenos Aires and Puerto Rico. Ten years later, work was started on a railway and a landfill in the bay was built in order to extend port facilities. The railway line from Orense to Vigo opened in 1881.
Around this time more fish-salting and processing factories opened. This resulted in a growth in the number of people employed and also of the middle class. The city grew beyond the walls and new streets were opened and fine stone buildings were erected. In 1880 the Caja de Ahorros de Vigo savings bank opened and one year later the Port Board of Works was formed.
In 1899, Vigo port received the soldiers who returned injured from the war with Cuba, providing them with the required shelter and aid. As a result the city was awarded the rank of "Ever Charitable" and since then the coat of arms of the city bears the motto "The Loyal and Brave City of Vigo and Ever Charitable".
Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries Vigo forged new links with Latin America, new industry has been set up and infrastructure greatly improved.
At the end of the 19th century the population of the city reached 15,000.