Haitian History : The First Spanish Settlement in the New World was near Caracol Haiti

Pop Quiz: What is the connection between Caracol Haiti, Christopher Columbus, La Santa Maria, Cacique Guacanagaric, Caonabo and La Navidad? Sit back... Relax... and let me tell you...


Columbus Flagship Santa Maria - Shipwreck found in Haiti

Did you know? Christopher Columbus' flagship, the Santa Maria, sunk somewhere between the bay of Caracol and the bord de mer de Limonade.

Caracol is likely to be the original village (hometown) of Guacanagaric, one of five Caciques (native chiefs) of Hispaniola.

Guacanagaric who was friendly to Columbus, told him there was gold in the Island (big mistake) and allowed him to establish the settlement of La Navidad near his village.

La Navidad then officially became the first Spanish settlement in the New World, built from the shipwreck of La Santa Maria.

So where does Caonabo fit in to this story?

Well... When Columbus return to the New World, he expected to find a flourishing fort La Navidad. But instead, what he found were dead men and a settlement burnt to the ground.

This first Taino to revolt against the Spanish which destroyed La Navidad was led by Caonabo, Cacique de la Maguana, was triggers by 3 things:

  1. The Spaniards were stealing from the Tainos
  2. The Spaniards were raping their women, and
  3. Caonabo found out they intended to stay

All of these things, and more, happened back in 1492 in the area of that is now Caracol Haiti.

What do you think about that?

Reply with your comments

Write a comment  (2)

You might also like

Return to Articles List

All Comments (2)

Dsl says...

Actually Ayiti is the Taino name for the island.

It's then clear that the indigenous Taino are properly Ayisien.

"Haitian" is simply a Latinization of the word *Ayisien".

If you are going to censure writing online, get your facts

Reply  ... More

Dr1 says...

Oh, Lord!!! Please know about what you write! This is an offense to History.

"This first Haitian Taino to revolt against the Spanish which destroyed La Navidad was led by Caonabo, Cacique de la Maguana..." Hatian?

He was indian...Haiti was not stablished yet, and as you MAY know Haiti is pure African descent.

Reply  ... More

Leave a Reply

Name (required)

E-mail (required, will not be published)

Subject: Haitian History : The First Spanish Settlement in the New World was near Caracol Haiti edit

» »