Before Mexico became independent, the city was a small town known simply as Dolores. It was here that Father Miguel Hidalgo spoke his famous cry for the independence of Mexico (the "Grito de Dolores"). This was in the early hours of September 16, 1810, in front of his parish church. After Mexico achieved independence, the town was renamed "Dolores Hidalgo" in his honor. The central square of the town, in front of Father Hidalgo's historic church, is a popular tourist spot.