What is "tampico"

Tampico is a city and port in the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico; it is located on the north bank of the Pánuco River, about from the Gulf of Mexico. The city is located in the southeastern part of the state, directly north of the state of Veracruz. Tampico is the fifth-largest city in Tamaulipas with a population of 297,284. The Metropolitan area of Tampico has 859,419 inhabitants.

In the early 20th century during the period of Mexico's first oil boom, the city was the "chief oil-exporting port of the Americas" and the second in the world, yielding profits that were invested in the city's "grandiose architecture," often compared to that of Venice and New Orleans. The first oil well in Mexico was drilled here in 1901 at Ébano. In 1923 the major oil field dried up, leading to an exodus of jobs and investment.

Economic development during the 1920s made the city a pioneer in the aviation and soda industries. The city also is a major exporter of silver, copper, and lumber, together with wool, hemp, and other agricultural products. Containerized cargo, however, is mainly handled by the neighboring ocean port of Altamira.

"Tampico" is a popular song, composed in 1945 by Allan Roberts, with lyrics by Doris Fisher. It was produced in that year by Stan Kenton. The song gave June Christy a top-10 hit in 1945, peaking at #3 on the Billboard charts. Christy later commented to the "Jazz Journal International" that she had been disappointed that her first recording with Kenton was "Tampico," but was fortunate that it was a hit and established her right away.

The song takes a satirical look at the Mexican city of its title, suggesting that at the time, Tampico, Tamaulipas, had become more Americanized than the U.S. itself, and that many of the souvenirs which could be bought there had been manufactured in the United States. "You buy a beautiful shawl; a souvenir for Aunt Flo. Authentic Mexican art - made in Idaho."

Other recordings of "Tampico" have been made by Benny Goodman, Doris Fisher and Edmundo Ros among others. The song was also performed by Jo Stafford at The Chesterfield Supper Club and can be heard on the album At the Supper Club Part III.

Tampico is a city and port in Tamaulipas, Mexico.

Tampico may also refer to:

• Tampico Bridge, connecting the states of Tamaulipas and Veracruz, Mexico
• Tampico Township, Whiteside County, Illinois, United States
  • Tampico, Illinois, a village in Tampico Township
• Tampico, Indiana, United States
• Tampico, Ohio, an unincorporated community
• Tampico, Washington, United States

Tampico was a 1944 drama/war film directed by Lothar Mendes and released by 20th Century Fox. It starred Edward G. Robinson, Lynn Bari, Victor McLaglen, Marc Lawrence, and Mona Maris.