there was a bloody uprising of the Maya against the white and mestizo residents of the Yucatán Peninsula, the so-called "Caste War."
Except Merida, which was sieged, the city of Campeche and the Islas Cozumel and Mujeres, the entire east and south of the peninsula remained in the control of the Maya.
At this time that Holbox’s population increased significantly, as it received many survivors who fled the Mayan social rebellion.
In 1886 a major hurricane completely destroyed the old village of Holbox, so its inhabitants decided to rebuild the town a few miles to the east on the island, where it is today.
Because of bickering, backstabbing and internal power struggles between warlords Cecilio Chi, Jacinto Pat and their successors, the rebels had to retreat until they were finally defeated in 1901 with the seizure of the town of Chan Santa Cruz.
In 1902 the Federal Territory of Quintana Roo was established and in 1910 Holbox became a municipality. In 1921 it was incorporated into the municipality of Isla Mujeres. While the political importance of Holbox decreased, its inhabitants were devoted to the production of copra (dried coconut meat) and, as always, fishing.
Towards the end of the twentieth century, Isla Holbox began to be known as a peaceful tourist destination and for its natural attractions.
The remoteness and isolation that have surrounded Holbox, demonstrates the strength of its residents who have lived on the edge of civilization and faced throughout its history not only in times of poverty, but sometimes the strength of hurricanes
