Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1496
Nueva Isabela founded by the Spanish. Rebuilt as Santo Domingo after a 1502 hurricane, it
quickly receives a royal charter, making it the oldest European city in the New World.
1500
A Santo Domingo governor captures Christopher Columbus and returns him to Spain in
shackles; Queen Isabella orders him released soon after.
1503
Queen Anacaona of the Taíno kingdom of Xaragua in central Hispaniola is arrested by the
Spanish governor and publicly executed, effectively marking the end of Taíno independen-
ce on the island.
1510
King Ferdinand of Spain issues first royal charter to import slaves to Hispaniola. Demand
booms, to supplement rapidly crashing Taíno workforce.
1519-1533
A Taíno
cacique
named Enriquillo leads a rebellion against the Spanish in the Bahoruco
mountains near the present-day DR-Haiti border.
1586
Following the outbreak of war between England and Spain, Sir Francis Drake leads a dev-
astating naval raid against Santo Domingo, leaving the city virtually razed.
1605
Spain sends the army to relocate most of its colonists to Santo Domingo city by force, to
prevent contraband trade with foreign merchants, effectively abandoning claims to western
Hispaniola.
1655
An English military expedition is dispatched by Oliver Cromwell to conquer Santo
Domingo. Although beaten back, the navy saves face by managing to grab Jamaica as a
permanent Caribbean foothold.
1697
