FAJARDO

town, eastern Puerto Rico, on the Fajardo River lowlands. Founded in 1772, it was the scene of fighting during the SpanishAmerican War (1898). Its principal manufactures are cigars, furniture, and metal and electronic components. It is linked by railway to San Juan and lies about 2 miles (3 km) from its port, Playa de Fajardo, which exports sugar. The town is a tourist centre. The University of Puerto Rico was founded in 1903 at Fajardo but moved in 1904 to Ro Piedras. The surrounding area is a tobacco- and sugarcane-growing district. Pop. (1990) mun., 36,882.