after a heyday lasting from the late 1600s until the early 1900s, when the silver mines closed, the economy of alamos went into a serious decline. only a few hundred people remained in the once vibrant city due to a major decline in silver prices, ongoing unrest in the country with a revolution in progress, and the exodus of business owners and people of wealth. vacant mansions went into disrepair until foreigners began restoring homes in 1946 after three decades of abandonment, bringing employment to locals with building and housekeeping skills. the area's top industries for decades were ranching and tourism. the present-day economy includes copper and silver mines. about 16 km to the northwest is the adolfo ruiz cortinez dam and reservoir known as “el mocúzarit”, whose waters irrigate . cattle ranching is seasonal and declining due to impoverished grazing lands. numerous chicken and pig farms, called “granjas,” contribute substantially to the economy.