Cabo Rojo

Cabo Rojo is a municipality located in the extreme southwest of Puerto Rico.  Founded in 1771, it is bordered on the south by the Caribbean Sea, on the west by the Canal de la Mona, on the north by Mayaguez Hormigueros, Lajas and to the east, Hormigueros and San German.  Inhabitants of the city are called Caborrojenos.

History

In 1512, according to historian Salvador Brau, the Spaniards began to settle in the vicinity of Cabo Rojo Morrillos in order to explore the rich salt creeks in the area. This resource, so like the name of Cabo Rojo, was the cause of fighting and was defended with ax in hand from the beginning of colonization.  Hence comes the popular name of “Ax to Kill”, and the adjacent beach acquired the name “The Fight.”  It was retrieved shortly after the English invasion of 1585 in Punta Aguila.  In addition the city defended against another threat in 1769.  In the same year a similar contest was raised against the San Jose Chapel (built in 1559 and demolished in 1924), but this time against the Sangermenos, achieving the same fate.

In 1771 efforts began toward the founding of the town prior, to the chagrin of the territorial nature of the Sangermenos (who were part of the village).  Their request was denied, however, and on January 17, 1772 Nicolas Ramirez de Arellano was officially granted the appointment as the first mayor.  Such management was before the governor Miguel Mues, known as the founder of the town.

During the mid-19th century, Cabo Rojo was an idealistic and intellectual center, home to intellectuals of the era such as Betances, Brau and Carbonell.  Furthermore, the myth of the Pirate Cofresi served to highlight even more daring, bravery and courage of the Caborrojeno in the Caribbean.  The exploits of these and many others marked a milestone in the history of Puerto Rico.

Demographics

In the 1940s Cabo Rojo was a small city of 28,606 inhabitants.  There was a passenger train in operation, with a station in the village and in Boqueron.  The train remained in use until 1953, when it was retired due to the poor economic situation.  By 1960 the population fell due to a massive movement of children to the Capital and to the north.  It quickly recovered, and as of the 1990 census had a population of 39,887.  This classified it as the 22nd most populous city throughout Puerto Rico.  In the 2000 census Cabo Rojo had a population of 46,911 inhabitants, being the 18th most populous municipality of Puerto Rico.  The estimated population for 2007 was 52,970 inhabitants.

Places of Interest / Culture

The Lighthouse Morrillos
The Lighthouse Playuela
Plaza de Recreo Ramon Emeterio Betances
Museum of Leaders
E. Santos City Hall Padilla Ferrer
Schoenstatt Shrine
Spa Boqueron
Playa El Combate
Joyuda
Cayo Ratones
Port Royal (largest fishing village in RP)
Beach Buye
Cave Cofresi
Tunnel Guaniquilla (on private property)
Club Nautico de Boqueron
Market Square
Coliseum Rebekah Colberg
Complejo Deportivo Rebekah Colberg
Club Deportivo del Oeste (Golf)