Santa Cruz De Barahona - History

Barahona city in full Santa Cruz De Barahona is situated in the south-western of the Dominican Republic. It lies along Neiba Bay, off the Caribbean Sea, at the north-eastern foot of the Sierra de Bahoruco. The gateway to the Dominican Republic's lake district, Santa Cruz de Barahona is a provincial capital, port and fishing centre.

The City was founded in 1802 by the initiative of Haitian commander Toussaint Louverture.

Around the beginning of the 20^th century, the town experienced an acceleration of its economic development. Coffee plantations in the surrounding mountains and sugar plantations in the valleys brought about a growing wealth for certain families in the region, such as that of Luis Delmonte, a passionate Barahona business man who wished to provide his community with its first permanent church.

Barahona has been an area that the government has slated for future tourist development. An airport capable of handling International Jumbo jets sits idle in Barahona, awaiting new tourist traffic. Barahona's Marνa Montez International Airport is the country's newest.

The city's industrial and commercial activity centres on sugar; sugarcane, molasses, coffee, hardwoods, and fruits are the main exports. Salt beds are located in the area. Pop. (1983 est.) 51,000.

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