Silao traces its roots to pre-Columbian times as an Otomi center conquered by the Tarascans from Western-Central Mexico. Its pre-Columbian name was Tzinacua - which translates to "smokey columns" due to the vapor columns emanating from thermal waters in the vicinity. In July 1861, Silao is recognized as a city and made the government seat for the municipio with the same name.
Agriculture and livestock raising are the principal economic forces. Fruit, vegetable and dairy product packing plants as well as brick and farming equipment factories and local folk-art add to the local economic engine. General Motors' Light Truck assembly plant is located in Silao.
A regional fair is celebrated annually during the last two weeks of July in honor of Santiago Apostol in which agricultural, livestock and commercial products are exhibited.
Silao is the closest city to the Bajio Regional Airport which serves cities such as Leon, Guanajuato, San Miguel Allende in the state of Guanajuato and Lagos de Moreno in the state of Jalisco.