Native peoples inhabited the area of modern El Salvador (literally meaning The Saviour) long before the 16^th century Spanish conquest. Some were Maya, belonging to the civilization of Mesoamerica that flourished from central Mexico to Nicaragua before the conquest. Notable ruins of Mayan cities and ceremonial centers testify to an advanced social and economic organization. Other peoples who lived in El Salvador, notably the Lenca, apparently were of early South American origin. More characteristic of the region, however, were Nahuat immigrants from Central Mexico. Some had come to El Salvador very early, but others, notably the Pipil, had arrived closer to the time of the Spanish conquest, after the Mayans were already in decline.

The first Salvadoran territory visited by Spaniards was Meanguera Island, located in the Gulf of Fonseca, where Spanish Admiral Andrés Niño led an expedition to Central America and disembarked on May 31, 1522. In June 1524, the Spanish captain Pedro de Alvarado launched a war to conquer Cuscatlan. His cousin Diego de Alvarado established the village of San Salvador in April 1525. In 1546, Charles I of Spain granted San Salvador the title of city.

During the subsequent years, the country evolved under Spanish rule. However, toward the end of 1810 many people began to express discontent. On November 5, 1811, when Father Dr. José Matias Delgado rang the bells of la Merced Church in San Salvador calling for insurrection, the people began to band together for freedom.

In 1821, El Salvador and other Central American provinces declared their independence from Spain. When these provinces were joined with Mexico in early 1822, El Salvador resisted, insisting on autonomy for the Central American countries. In 1823, the United Provinces of Central America were formed of the five Central American States under Gen. Manuel Jose Arce. When this federation was dissolved in 1838, El Salvador became an independent republic.