Guatemala, until a final border was drawn between the two countries in 1888. In the meantime, Mexican president Antonio L�pez de Santa Anna declared Tapachula a city as he fought to force the region back under Mexican control. The city was occupied by French troops during the French Intervention in Mexico until 1865 when they were expelled by Sebasti�n Escobar.
The current municipality was created in 1915, with Tapachula as the governing entity. It was declared the provisional capital of Chiapas by forces loyal to Victoriano Huerta in 1924.
The first air route to the city was established in 1929, connecting it with Tuxtla Guti�rrez and Mexico City.
Tapachula became a diocese separate from Chiapas in 1957 covering the entire Chiapas coast area.
It was reaffirmed as the capital of the Soconusco region in 1983.
In 1984, a coat of arms was chosen for the city, designed by Edgar Jos� Cabrera Arriaga.
The growth of the city and its economy has presented problems in the early 21st century. The city during this time has grown outward, surrounding industrial structures such as petroleum storage facilities belonging to PEMEX and a terminal of the Chiapas-Mayab railroad. This raised questions of safety until both were moved further outside of the city limits in 2011
