This title provides a detailed exploration of the historical and cultural development of the Antioqueño people and their distinctive colonization patterns in western Colombia. Originally published in 1949, the study is rooted in J. J. Parsons’ fieldwork conducted in 1946, primarily based in Medellín. Under the guidance of Carl O. Sauer, Parsons focused on Antioquia as a unique cultural region, examining its geography, society, and the expansion of its population and influence through colonization. This updated edition incorporates the author’s additional visits to Colombia, substantial revisions to chapters on population, transportation, and industry, and updates from recent census data and scholarly contributions.

The book paints a picture of an Antioquia that has transformed significantly, particularly Medellín, which has grown into a major metropolitan hub since Parsons’ first visit. However, the study highlights that despite rapid modernization and population growth, the region continues to maintain a relatively high standard of living and literacy. By tracing the evolution of the Antioqueño culture and economy, Parsons provides insights into the area’s historical resilience and adaptability, shedding light on the forces that have shaped its unique identity within Colombia’s national context.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1949.