Boca de Yuma facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Boca de Yuma
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Streets of Boca de Yuma
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 Boca de Yuma
Location in the Dominican Republic
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| Country | Dominican Republic |
| Province | La Altagracia |
| Population
(2008)
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| • Total | 2,342 |
Boca de Yuma is a small town in the eastern part of the Dominican Republic. It is located in the La Altagracia province. The town sits near where the Yuma River meets the Caribbean Sea. The name "Yuma" comes from the Taíno people, who were the first people to live in this area.
Boca de Yuma is also very close to the Del Este National Park. This park is one of the biggest national parks in the country. It covers a large area of 310 square kilometers.
Contents
History of Boca de Yuma
How Boca de Yuma Started
The first families who settled in Boca de Yuma came from different parts of the Spanish colony of Hispaniola. One of the first people to live here might have been Pedro Sifuentes. People called him Portugalete. He was also known as the Dominican 'Robinson Crusoe'. This is because he lived alone here for many years. His ship had sunk in the nearby Yuma Bay.
Forts and Pirates in Boca de Yuma
Long ago, Boca de Yuma had a Spanish fort. This fort looked over Yuma Bay. It was built in a very strong spot. Cannons were the main way to defend it.
Today, you can still see parts of an old cannon on the coast. People believe it is the same cannon that an Archbishop once asked the King of Spain for. He wanted it to protect a special church. In 1877, explorers found more cannons underwater in Yuma Bay. They were then placed as monuments on a cliff. This is where the community park and lighthouse are now. Other old guns and parts of battleships are still on Playa Blanca, which means White Beach.
One famous pirate from that time was Roberto Cofresí Ramirez de Arellano. He was born in Puerto Rico. Some stories say his pirate ship, "Cofresi," sank deep below the river mouth. There is a cave there where he supposedly hid. In 1824, Roberto Cofresí was captured after a big battle. He was sentenced to death and died on March 29, 1825.
Boca de Yuma as a Port
Boca de Yuma was once known as the "Port of Higüey." A famous explorer, Juan Ponce de León, used this port. He sailed from here in 1508 to explore Puerto Rico. In 1513, he left again, looking for a "fountain of eternal youth." Instead, he found and helped to settle Spanish Florida.
Boca de Yuma was a very important port for many battles. It played a role in the victory over the English in 1655. It was also important in the Battle of Sabana Real in 1691. And it helped in the Battle of Palo Hincado in 1808. These were big fights that shaped the history of the Dominican Republic.
In 1808, the mouth of the Yuma River saw support arrive for the Battle of Palo Hincado. The Governor General of Puerto Rico sent supplies to the Port of Higüey. These supplies included boats with guns, rifles, and swords. There were also many volunteers from Puerto Rico.
The Coastline of Boca de Yuma
On March 4, 1919, American sailors came to Boca de Yuma's port. They arrived from San Pedro de Macoris. They settled near the beach where boats are launched. Later, the first concrete school was built here. It was named after John F. Kennedy, who was the 35th President of the United States.
In 1966, a club from Santo Domingo added a recreation area on the coast. This was started by Don Alberto Bonetti Burgos. He often visited Boca de Yuma for fishing and hunting.
Boca de Yuma Today
In 2008, about 2,400 people lived in Boca de Yuma. This quiet town is still a simple village. It is surrounded by beautiful beaches. The people who live here are kind and hardworking. Boca de Yuma is not far from the La Altagracia province. It is about an hour's drive from Punta Cana. It's also thirty minutes from La Romana city. And it's an hour and a half from the capital city.
If you visit Boca de Yuma, you will find many fun things to do. You can go hunting, fishing, or hiking. You can also go biking and take amazing photos. There are beautiful beaches, interesting caves, and a national park to explore. The national park is home to many different birds and animals.
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The Yuma River is about 1.5 kilometers long and you can travel on it by boat. A boat trip up the river shows you beautiful views. It also leads to caves where pirate Roberto Cofresí supposedly hid his treasure.
Another cool place to visit is The Cave Bernard. It has amazing stalagmites and stalactites. It got its name because it was on the property of John Bernard. He was one of the first people to help start the community. Long ago, a leader named Rafael Trujillo built a public water fountain here. It was called La Llave Publica, and it gave water to everyone. From John Bernard Park, you can see a wonderful view of the bay. You can also see White Beach, Cape San Rafael, and Cape Engaño.
See also
In Spanish: Boca de Yuma para niños
