Bayamo
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Bayamo | |
  |
|
| Coordinates: | |
|---|---|
| Country |  Cuba |
| Province | Granma |
| Established | November 15, 1513[1] |
| Incorporated | 1827 (city) |
| Area [2] | |
| - Total | 918 km² (354.4 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 55 m (180 ft) |
| Population (2004)[3] | |
| - Total | 222,118 |
| - Density | 242.0/km² (626.8/sq mi) |
| Time zone | EST (UTC-5) |
| Area code(s) | +53-23 |
Bayamo is the capital city of the Granma Province of Cuba, and one of the largest cities in the Oriente region.
The community of Bayamo lies on a plain by the Bayamo River. It is affected by the violent Bayamo wind.
The municipality is divided into the barrios of Arroyo Blanco, Barrancas, Bueycito, Cauto, Cayamas, Cristo, Dátil, Guamo, Guisa, Hornos, Julia, Laguna Blanca, La Sal, San Juan and Veguita.[1]
The main secondary education institution is the University of Granma.
Contents |
[edit] History
Bayamo was the third of the seven cities founded by Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar, and was established on November 5, 1513. During much of the 16th century it was one of the most important agricultural and commercial settlements of the island. Its inland situation gave it relative security against the pirates who then infested West Indian seas, and the misfortunes of Santiago were the fortunes of Bayamo. Down the Cauto River, then open to the sea for vessels of 200 tons, and through Manzanillo, Bayamo drove a thriving contraband trade that made it at the opening of the 17th century the leading town of Cuba.
A tremendous flood, in 1616, choking the Cauto with trees and wrecked vessels, cut if off from direct access to the sea; but through Manzanillo it continued a great clandestine traffic with Curaçao, Jamaica, and other foreign islands throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. Bayamo was then surrounded by fine plantations.
In 1827 it acquired the status of city. In the war of 1868–1878 it was an insurgent stronghold; near it was fought one of the most desperate conflicts of the war, and it was nearly destroyed by the opposing parties.
[edit] Demographics
In 2004, the municipality of Bayamo had a population of 222,118.[3] With a total area of 918 km² (354.4 sq mi),[2] it has a population density of 242.0/km² (626.8/sq mi).
[edit] Notable residents
- Francisco Vicente Aguilera (1821-1877), revolutionary.
- Conrado Roblejo Aguilera (born 1966), doctor
- José Antonio Cedeño (born 1939), artist.
- Carlos Manuel de Céspedes (1819-1874), revolutionary.
- Perucho Figueredo (1818-1870), composer of the Cuban national anthem
- Pablo Milanés (born 1943), singer.
- Tomás Estrada Palma (1832-1908), President of Cuba.
- Felo Ramírez (born 1921), radio presenter
- Rolando Uríos (born 1971), Handball player.
[edit] References
- ^ a b Guije.com. "Bayamo". Retrieved on 2007-10-06. (Spanish)
- ^ a b Statoids (July 2003). "Municipios of Cuba". Retrieved on 2007-10-06.
- ^ a b Atenas.cu (2004). "2004 Population trends, by Province and Municipality". Retrieved on 2007-10-06. (Spanish)
- This article incorporates text from the Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition, a publication now in the public domain.
|
|||||||||||||||||
