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Bairoa, Caguas, Puerto Rico facts for kids

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Bairoa
Barrio
Street and shops in Bairoa
Street and shops in Bairoa
Location of Bairoa within the municipality of Caguas shown in red
Location of Bairoa within the municipality of Caguas shown in red
Bairoa, Caguas, Puerto Rico is located in Caribbean
Bairoa, Caguas, Puerto Rico
Bairoa, Caguas, Puerto Rico
Location in Caribbean
Commonwealth  Puerto Rico
Municipality Caguas
Area
 • Total 7.67 sq mi (19.9 km2)
 • Land 7.56 sq mi (19.6 km2)
 • Water 0.11 sq mi (0.3 km2)
Elevation
194 ft (59 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total 19,258
 • Density 2,547.4/sq mi (983.6/km2)
  Source: 2010 Census
Time zone UTC−4 (AST)

Bairoa is a lively district, also called a barrio, in the city of Caguas, Puerto Rico. In 2010, about 19,258 people lived here. Bairoa is made up of nearly 60 smaller areas or neighborhoods.

What's in a Name? The Story of Bairoa

The name Bairoa comes from the Bairoa River. This river flows through the area from west to east. It then joins the Loíza River.

Many people have ideas about what "Bairoa" means. The word probably comes from the Taíno language. The Taíno were the first people to live in Puerto Rico. It might come from "baira," which could be the name of a tree called Chrysophyllum cainito. It could also mean "forest," "wood," or "tree bark." Another idea is that it comes from "paira," meaning "bow."

Exploring Bairoa's Neighborhoods

In Puerto Rico, big areas like barrios are divided into smaller parts. These smaller parts are called sectores (say: sek-TOR-es). Sectors can be different types of places. Some are called urbanización (planned neighborhoods). Others are reparto (housing developments) or barriada (older neighborhoods).

Here are some of the many sectors you can find in Bairoa:

  • Alto Monte
  • Altos de San Luis
  • Arbolada
  • Bairoa I
  • Bairoa II
  • Bairoa La 25
  • Bairoa Park Bairoa
  • Caguas Milenio I
  • Caguas Milenio II
  • Chalets de Bairoa
  • Ciudad Jardín
  • Colinas de Bairoa
  • Diamond Village
  • El Retiro
  • Estancias de Bairoa
  • Estancias del Turabo
  • Golden Gate I
  • Golden Gate II
  • Jardines de Condado Moderno
  • La Serranía
  • Las Carolinas
  • Los Cajones
  • Los Curas
  • Los Reyes
  • Mansiones de Bairoa
  • Mirador de Bairoa
  • Monticelo
  • Plaza Centro
  • Santa Juana I y II
  • Santa Juana III
  • Santa Juana IV
  • Valle Verde Bairoa
  • Valley View Park
  • Villa Blanca Apartments
  • Wind Gate

Bairoa's Past: A Look at History

The area of Bairoa was first home to the Taíno people. When the Spanish arrived, a tribal chief named Caguax led the Taíno here. The city of Caguas is named after him.

The first European settlement was a cattle farm. It was called Hato de Bairoa. This farm was set up between 1525 and 1600. Bairoa was first mentioned as a district of Caguas in 1821. Back then, it was known for growing sugarcane and other fruits. People also raised cattle.

After the Spanish–American War, Spain gave Puerto Rico to the United States in 1898. In 1899, a census found that about 3,870 people lived in Bairoa and a nearby barrio. By 2010, Bairoa's population grew to 19,258 residents. Today, Bairoa is mostly a suburban area with many homes.

Fun Places to Visit in Bairoa

Bairoa has several interesting places to see and explore:

  • Altos de La Mesa and Altos de San Luis: These are two mountain ridges. They have forests where you can find the Puerto Rican plain pigeon.
  • Bairoa Forest: This is a forest located between the Valle Verde and Golden Gates neighborhoods. It's a great place to enjoy nature.
  • Bairoa La 25: This is an old part of the historic Carretera Central. It runs along the Loíza River.
  • Bairoa Park: A baseball field and sports complex where you can play or watch games.
  • Bairoa Shopping Center: One of the oldest shopping centers in Caguas.
  • El Mariachi: A popular Mexican-Puerto Rican restaurant. It's a favorite for both locals and visitors.
  • Monte Calvario Cemetery: A place for burials and cremations.
  • Plaza Centro Mall: This mall is built where an old sugarcane refinery used to be.

Gallery

  • Plaza Centro 2012

    Plaza Centro, Christmas 2012.

  • Valle de Caguas2

    View of Caguas and Bairoa (in the foreground) from Altos de San Luis.

See also

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