Colón, Cuba
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Colón | |
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| Coordinates: | |
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| Country |  Cuba |
| Province | Matanzas |
| Founded | 1846[1] |
| Established | 1859 (Villa) |
| Area [2] | |
| - Total | 597 km² (230.5 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 60 m (197 ft) |
| Population (2004)[3] | |
| - Total | 71,579 |
| - Density | 119.9/km² (310.5/sq mi) |
| Time zone | EST (UTC-5) |
| Area code(s) | +53-52 |
Colón is a municipality and city in the Matanzas Province of Cuba.
Contents |
[edit] Geography
The municipality is divided into the barrios of Agüica, Este, Guareiras, Jacán, Laguna Grande, Oeste and Palmillas.[1]
[edit] History
The town was founded in 1846[1] under the name Nueva Bermeja. In 1851 the railroad reaches the town. In 1859, it achieves the status of villa (town) with the name Colón. The founder's name is don Martín José Zozaya, who founded the town in the former hacienda named La Bermeja. The deed to establish this town was signed in the city of Matanzas in 1836. At the time, don Martín set apart land for a cemetery and a church. The original name of the town was La Nueva Bermeja. The railroad had arrived near the new town in 1843 but did not cross the town until 1851. In 1852, Fernando Diago, the owner of the sugar-mill Ponina, inaugurates the first public school in town.
[edit] Economy
Colón's economy is centered around agriculture (sugarcane, tobacco, citrus fruit, honey) and stock raising. It is also an important railway center.
[edit] Demographics
In 2004, the municipality of Colón had a population of 71,579.[3] With a total area of 597 km² (230.5 sq mi),[2] it has a population density of 119.9/km² (310.5/sq mi).
[edit] See also
[edit] References
Colón: en el 150 aniversario de su fundación, published in Cuba in 1986.
[edit] External links
- Municipality webpage (Spanish)
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| Jagüey Grande | Calimete | Rodas |
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