Evolution of Guatemala's territorial organization
• 19th century - The department surrounding British Honduras is called Verapaz by the British • 1825 - The first seven departments officially established. Verapaz, Chiquimula, Guatemala/Escuintla, Sacatepéquez/Chimaltenango, Soconusco, Totonicapán/Huehuetenango, and Suchitepéquez/Sololá. • 1838-02-02 - Suchitepéquez/Sololá, Totonicapán/Huehuetenango break away as the Republic of Los Altos • 1939 - Los Altos reincorporated • 1845-09-16 - Quetzaltenango department established by decree. • 1866-05-08 - Huehuetenango, Petén and San Marcos departments established. • 1871-11-10 - Chiquimula department reduced by establishment of the Zacapa department and a part of the Izabal department. • 1872-08-12 - Quiché department created from • 1908-04-13 - Part of El Progreso department created from western Zacapa. • 1919-12 - El Progreso department renamed to Estrada Cabrera. • 1920-06-09 - Estrada Cabrera department dissolved. • 1934 - El Progreso department reestablished. == List of departments ==