SANTIAGO DE LOS CABALLEROS

city, northern Dominican Republic. It is situated on the Yaque del Norte River, in the heart of the fertile Valle del Cibao. Whether founded in 1494 by Christopher Columbus (as some historians claim) or in 1495 by his brother Bartolomeo, Santiago was among the first European settlements in America. In 1504, 30 caballeros (gentlemen) of the Order of St. James (Santiago) moved from nearby La Isabela to Santiago, henceforth known as Santiago de los Caballeros. After being destroyed by an earthquake in 1562, the city was rebuilt a few miles away, where the Arroyo (stream) Nibaje meets the Yaque; ruins of the old city are still visible in the district of San Francisco de Jacagua. Santiago survived numerous earthquakes and fires to serve repeatedly as the republic's capital. Notable landmarks include the San Luis Fort, the University of the Catholic Mother and Teacher (Universidad Catlica Madre y Maestra; 1962), various palaces, and the Cathedral of Santiago el Mayor situated opposite the city park (Parque Duarte). A technological university was founded in 1974. The city's economy depends mainly on the production of cigarettes, rum, furniture, pharmaceuticals, soaps, leather articles, and processed foods, including cacao, milled rice, and dairy produce. Santiago is on the main highway linking Santo Domingo (85 mi southeast) with Montecristi in the extreme northwest. Pop. (1981) 278,638.