the church records of álamos date to 1682, but it was founded on december 8, 1685, by the spanish soldier, domingo terán de los ríos, after the discovery of the silver mines at promontorios, la aduana, las cabras, la quintera, and others of lesser importance nearby. rios in 1686 became governor of sonora and sinaloa, where he was successful in quelling indian disturbances.