San Mateo, Boyacá facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
San Mateo
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Municipality and town
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View of San Mateo
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Location of the municipality and town of San Mateo in the Boyacá Department of Colombia
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| Country |  Colombia |
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| Department | Boyacá Department | ||
| Province | Northern Boyacá Province | ||
| Founded | 21 September 1773 | ||
| Founded by | Antonio Caballero y Góngora | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 131 km2 (51 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 2,500 m (8,200 ft) | ||
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Colombia Standard Time) | ||
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San Mateo is a charming town and a municipality located in the Northern Boyacá Province of Colombia. It is part of the Boyacá region. The main part of the town sits high up at about 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) above sea level. You can find it in the Eastern Ranges of the amazing Colombian Andes mountains.
San Mateo shares its borders with several other places. To the east, it is next to Guacamayas, Panqueba, and El Cocuy. To the west, it borders Boavita. In the north, you'll find Macaravita in the Santander region. Finally, to the south, it is close to La Uvita.
Contents
Discovering the Name of San Mateo
Before 1914, this town had a different name: La Capilla. It means "The Chapel" in Spanish. The town got its current name, San Mateo, to honor a special place called the San Mateo field. This is where Antonio Ricaurte, a brave hero of Colombia's fight for independence, gave his life for his country.
A Glimpse into San Mateo's Past
The early history of San Mateo is not fully recorded. However, many believe that Antonio Caballero y Góngora founded the town. He was an important Archbishop from Bogotá. The town was officially started on September 21, 1773. At that time, Caballero was working in Córdoba, Spain.
There isn't much information about the town during the time of civil wars in Colombia. These were difficult times after the country became a republic. A special symbol of San Mateo is the chirimoya. This is a delicious and typical Colombian fruit.
How San Mateo Makes a Living
The main way people in San Mateo earn money is through agriculture. This means farming! Farmers grow many different crops.
Besides farming, people in San Mateo also raise animals. This is called livestock farming. They also have some mining activities. They dig for sand, gravel, and carbon (coal).
Famous People from San Mateo
San Mateo is proud to be the hometown of some talented athletes.
- Luis Espinosa: A former professional cyclist.
- Gregorio Ladino: Another former professional cyclist.
Exploring San Mateo Through Pictures
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The central square, a popular gathering spot.
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A view of the central square and the town's church.
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An image showing carbon mining activities in the area.
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Livestock farming, an important part of the local economy.
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The beautiful landscape surrounding San Mateo.
See also
In Spanish: San Mateo (Boyacá) para niños
