Esperanza, Dominican Republic facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Esperanza
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 Esperanza
Location in the Dominican Republic
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| Country |  Dominican Republic |
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| Province | Valverde | |
| Found | September 9 1907 | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 215.24 km2 (83.10 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 95 m (312 ft) | |
| Population
(2012)
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| • Total | 70,588 | |
| • Density | 327.950/km2 (849.387/sq mi) | |
| • Urban | 52,732 | |
| Distance to – Mao |
16 km |
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| Municipal Districts | 4 |
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Esperanza is a lively town, also known as a municipality, located in the Valverde province of the Dominican Republic. It's a place where many people live and work. Inside Esperanza, there are four smaller areas called municipal districts: Boca de Mao, Jicomé, Maizal, and Paradero.
In 2002, about 70,588 people lived in Esperanza. Most of them, around 52,732, lived in the town itself, which is the urban area. The rest, about 17,856 people, lived in the countryside, or rural districts.
Contents
A Look Back: The History of Esperanza
Esperanza started as a small village way back in 1495. It was built on land that belonged to a local chief named Cacique Caonabo. For about 100 years, the village disappeared.
Then, in the early 1600s, a farm and a cattle ranch appeared in the area. Later, when some cities like Guajaba and Monte Cristi were destroyed, people living there had to move. Some of them didn't want to go to the south of the country.
Instead, they decided to start a new settlement called Hato Esperanza. This is the very spot where the municipality of Esperanza stands today.
How Esperanza Grew Over Time
In the early 1800s, more people started to settle in the area. They lived in small groups spread out across the land. By the mid-1900s, things became even more organized.
This happened when the Esperanza sugar mill was built. The area then split into two parts: Esperanza Caña (where the sugarcane grew) and Esperanza Pueblo (the main town).
On June 19, 1875, Esperanza became a "Cantonal Post." This meant it was a special administrative area that reported to the province of Santiago de los Caballeros. The people of Esperanza had asked for this change, and the governor of Santiago supported them.
Later, on September 9, 1907, a new law changed the name "Cantonal Post" to "Common." Esperanza continued to be part of the Santiago province.
Esperanza Joins Valverde Province
A big change happened on March 27, 1958. A new law created the Valverde Province. Starting from January 1, 1959, Esperanza officially became part of this new province. It was no longer part of Santiago de los Caballeros.
Famous People from Esperanza
Esperanza is home to several talented people who have made a name for themselves, especially in sports and music.
- José Leclerc (born 1993), a pitcher in Major League Baseball.
- Seranthony Domínguez (born 1994), another pitcher in Major League Baseball.
- Giselle Tavera (born 1993), a popular bachata singer.
- David Ortiz (born 1975), a famous first baseman in Major League Baseball, known as "Big Papi."
- Hector Noesi (born 1987), a pitcher who has played in Major League Baseball.
- Jhoan Durán (born 1998), a pitcher in Major League Baseball.
- Jasson Domínguez (born 2003), a promising young player in Major League Baseball.
See also
In Spanish: Esperanza (República Dominicana) para niños
