Barcelona Province (Venezuela) facts for kids
The Barcelona Province was an important area in Venezuela a long time ago. It existed from 1811 to 1864. This province was one of the first regions in Venezuela to declare its independence from the Spanish Empire in 1811.
After Venezuela became independent, the Barcelona Province joined a larger country called Gran Colombia. This big country included what is now Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama. When Venezuela became fully independent from Gran Colombia in 1830, Barcelona Province remained a part of Venezuela. During the time of Gran Colombia, it was part of a larger area known as the Orinoco Department.
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Where Was Barcelona Province?
The Barcelona Province was located in a place very similar to where the modern Venezuelan state of Anzoátegui is today. So, if you look at a map of Venezuela, the Anzoátegui state gives you a good idea of where this old province used to be.
New Catalonia Province Connection
Interestingly, the Barcelona Province had some things in common with an even older area called the New Catalonia Province. This older province existed from 1633 to 1654. Both of these provinces had their main city, or capital, in a place called New Barcelona. This city was founded by a person named Joan Orpí.
Changes Over Time
The Barcelona Province went through some big changes in its history.
Becoming a State
After a conflict called the Federal War, which ended in 1864, the Barcelona Province changed its name and became the Barcelona State. This was part of a larger change in Venezuela where provinces became states.
Renamed to Anzoátegui
Later, in 1909, the Barcelona State was renamed again. It became known as the Anzoátegui State. This new name was chosen to honor a Venezuelan hero named José Antonio Anzoátegui. He was a very important general who fought for Venezuela's independence.
See also
In Spanish: Provincia de Barcelona (Venezuela) para niños
