History

Santo Domingo was founded on August 5, 1496, by Spanish colonizers led by Bartholomew Columbus, the brother of Christopher Columbus. The city was named after Saint Dominic, a Spanish Catholic priest who helped spread Christianity in the New World. The Spanish established the first permanent European settlement in the Americas, which became a major hub for the transatlantic slave trade.

During the colonial period, Santo Domingo was a major center for the production of sugar, tobacco, and other crops. The city's strategic location on the Caribbean coast made it an important port for trade with Europe and other colonies. In the 16th century, the city was devastated by earthquakes, fires, and diseases, which led to a significant decline in population.