Chimichagua facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chimichagua
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City
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| Nickname(s):
"El Viejo Puerto"
"The Old Port" |
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| Motto(s):
"Peace, Union and Work"
Paz, Union y Trabajo |
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Location of the municipality and town of Chimichagua in the Department of Cesar.
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| Country | Colombia | ||
| Region | Caribbean | ||
| Department | Cesar | ||
| Foundation | 1748 | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 1,568 km2 (605 sq mi) | ||
| Population
(Census 2018)
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| • Total | 30,289 | ||
| Time zone | UTC-5 | ||
| Website | chimichagua-cesar.gov.co/ |
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Chimichagua is a city and a municipality (a type of local government area) in the central part of the Department of Cesar, Colombia. A big part of Chimichagua, about one-third, is covered by water. The main town of the municipality is located near the Cienaga de Zapatosa marshes.
Contents
The Story Behind the Name
The name Chimichagua comes from a leader, or cacique, of the Chimila people. This leader lived in the area when the Spanish first arrived. The name Chimichagua, or Chiminigagua, is also linked to the supreme being (a very important god) of the Muisca people. Both the Muisca and Chimila languages belong to the same language family, called Chibcha language.
A Look at Chimichagua's History
Ancient People of Chimichagua
Before the Spanish arrived, the land of Chimichagua was home to the Chimila people. They lived across a large area, including the Cesar River valley. This valley is located between two mountain ranges, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and the Serranía del Perijá. Their territory also bordered the Magdalena River.
How Chimichagua Was Founded
Chimichagua was officially founded on December 8, 1748. It was started by Jose Fernando de Mier y Guerra. He was joined by Sebastian de Eslava, who represented the Viceroy (a high-ranking official from Spain). The first name for the village was "Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción de Chimichagua." Over time, some people from this village moved to other nearby places like Tamalameque and Valledupar. This happened because it was sometimes hard to get to Chimichagua.
Becoming a Municipality
Chimichagua became a municipality in 1892. This meant it gained its own local government. Later, in 1967, the Department of Cesar was created. Chimichagua then became one of the important municipalities within this new department.
Images for kids
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The flag of Chimichagua
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The coat of arms of Chimichagua
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Map showing Chimichagua's location in Cesar, Colombia
