Santiago de Cuba History Facts and Timeline

(Santiago de Cuba, Cuba)

Cuba's second city, Santiago de Cuba, is in many ways just as important culturally and historically as the island's capital Havana.

The rich history of Santiago de Cuba involves Spanish conquistadors, French plunderers, revolutionary heroes and some of Cuba's best-known poets, writers and artists. The city has a great atmosphere infused with cultural traditions and colonial architecture.

Conquistador Foundations

The history of Santiago de Cuba is linked to the infamous Spanish conqueror Diego Velazquez de Cuellar, who founded the city in the year of 1514. As one of the island's seven original villas (towns), it has been at the heart of many important events in the life of Cuba, from Spanish expeditions to the Americas to revolution and independence.

A Hub of Exploration

Due to its location on the far eastern end of the island, Santiago de Cuba has a history that is notable for the many Spanish expeditions embarking from its port. In 1518, Juan de Grijalba and the infamous Hernan Cortés sailed out for the first excursions along the shoreline of Mexico. Cortés is remembered as being the man largely responsible for the decimation of the Aztec civilisation. In 1538, another famous Spanish explorer, Hernando de Soto, made the first voyages to Florida, in the United States.

Capital City

From 1522 to 1589, Santiago de Cuba served as the Spanish capital of the Cuban colonies. Much of the colonial architecture that remains in the heart of the city was built during this era, including its earliest cathedral, which was constructed in the year of 1528. Like most important Caribbean cities, Santiago de Cuba's history is peppered with sackings and battles. The French forces arrived in 1553, followed by the British just over a century later, in 1662.

Influx of Culture

At the end of the 18th century, Santiago de Cuba experienced the first in a series of migration waves. The Haitian slave revolt in the latter years of the 18th century forced a large number of French people to flee Haiti, relocating in Santiago. This migration movement continued over the next century, adding new cultural dimensions to the already rich ethnic landscape of African and Spanish heritage so deeply rooted here. This is a major reason that the city is famous today for its music, dance and mix of religious beliefs.

Battlefield

To defend themselves against the endless tide of attacking forces, the Spanish built the San Pedro de la Roca Castle, an amazing fortress perched above the edge of the sea and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. This fortress was, however, largely unsuccessful in defending the city when the Americans fought the Spanish at San Juan Hill in 1898. The Americans were victorious and soon after, the entire fleet of Spanish ships was destroyed in Santiago's harbour, bringing an abrupt and very definite end to the Spanish-American War.

Revolution

Santiago de Cuba's history is also tied to the Cuban Revolution, which began in the city under the guidance of native son Frank Pais, the revolutionary hero of the struggle for independence. In 1953, a small force led by Fidel Castro attacked the Moncada Barracks. Although this attack failed, it prompted Pais to team up with Castro and the Revolution truly began.

On the very first day of 1959, Fidel Castro claimed victory in the Cuban Revolution from the balcony of the City Hall. Afterwards, Santiago de Cuba became something of a magnet for Cuban intellectuals and artists. Jose Marti, the national hero, is buried here, while Santiago has produced legends such as acclaimed poet Jose Maria Heredia and musicians, Ibrahim Ferrer and Compay Segundo.