The foundation of Manizales was a significant moment in Colombian history, instigated by a group called 'The Expedition of the 20'. This group was composed primarily of settlers and adventurers who aimed to exploit the agricultural potential of the high-altitude lands of the central Andes. Led by Francisco González, the expedition was motivated by the rapid expansion and colonization trends occurring throughout Colombia in the mid-19th century.

Upon arriving in the region, the expedition encountered diverse ecosystems and natural resources that supported agricultural practices such as coffee cultivation, which would later define the area economically. The physical landscape, characterized by its imposing mountains and lush valleys, provided both challenges and opportunities for settlement. The founding of Manizales marked a pivotal point, as it became a hub for agricultural commerce and trade in its initial years, attracting further waves of settlers seeking prosperity.

The city was officially founded on October 12, 1849, and within a decade, Manizales had emerged from a modest settlement into a burgeoning urban center. The combination of favorable climatic conditions and fertile soil led to coffee farming becoming a primary economic driver in the region. The local government and the population gradually organized their community, leading to the establishment of institutions that would support societal development, including schools and churches.