La Isabela Is Founded
La Isabela was the first European settlement in the New World, founded by Christopher Columbus on January 2, 1494, during his second voyage to the Americas. Located on the northern coast of Hispaniola, in present-day Dominican Republic, La Isabela was seen as a promising site for colonization. However, the settlement faced numerous challenges, including outbreaks of disease, destruction from hurricanes, and inadequate fresh water supplies. Additionally, limited gold resources led to tensions among the settlers, exacerbating their difficulties. The hostile response from the indigenous Taino people further complicated the situation, culminating in a decision by Spanish monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella to abandon La Isabela in favor of establishing a new settlement, Santo Domingo, on the island's southern shore. Despite its short-lived existence, La Isabela was notable for several early structures, including the first church built in the New World, and evidence of early European-style manufacturing activities. Archaeological findings at the site offer insights into this pivotal moment in colonial history.
On this Page
La Isabela Is Founded
La Isabela Is Founded
During Christopher Columbus's second voyage for Spain, the explorer landed on the northern coast of Hispaniola (today the Dominican Republic) on January 2, 1494, at which time he founded La Isabela, the first settlement in the New World. Although it seemed like an ideal spot, the colony was soon plagued by diseases and pounded by hurricanes, at least two of which resulted in the loss of several vessels. The site also suffered from a lack of fresh water, and the paucity of gold found there created friction among the settlers, who jealously coveted the commodity. The weight of these crises caused dissension and rebellion against Columbus among the men, while the native Tainos were also provoked into hostility against the Spaniards—and Columbus in particular. In 1498 King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain ordered the establishment of a new settlement on the southern shore of the island, today known as Santo Domingo, and La Isabela was abandoned.
While the Spaniards occupied La Isabela, they erected a number of structures that have been uncovered by recent archeological excavations. These include a barracks, a large storehouse, a watchtower, a powder house, and a hospital. Archeologists have also found the remains of a church, the first in the New World, at the site of the first mass held in the New World on January 6, 1494. A quarry about a half a mile away from the site reveals evidence of the first Old World–style manufacturing in America of such items as cannon balls and ceramic pottery.