Bayamo

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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 was lies on a plain by the Bayamo river. It was 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 river Cauto, 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 all through the 17th and 18th centuries. Bayamo was then surrounded by fine plantations.

In 1827 it acquired the status of city. It was rich and turbulent. 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.

Bayamo was the birthplace and the home of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, first president of the "Republic of Cuba in Arms", and was also the birthplace and home of Tomás Estrada Palma, first president of Cuba.

The city is affected by the violent Bayamo wind.

Other communities in the municipality are Arroyo Blanco, Barrancas, Bueycito, Cauto, Cayamas, Cristo, Dátil, Guamo, Guisa, Hornos, Julia, Laguna Blanca, La Sal, San Juan and Veguita.