Socorro, Santander facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
El Socorro, Santander
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Municipality and town
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The Socorro Cathedral, one of the Town's most known landmarks.
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Location of the municipality and town of Socorro, Santander in the Santander Department of Colombia.
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| Country |  Colombia |
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| Department | Santander Department | ||
| Foundation | March 16, 1681 | ||
| Founded by | José de Archila and José Díaz Sarmiento | ||
| Area | |||
| • Municipality and town | 127.8 km2 (49.3 sq mi) | ||
| • Urban | 4.12 km2 (1.59 sq mi) | ||
| • Rural | 123.68 km2 (47.75 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 1,300 m (4,265 ft) | ||
| Population
(2018 census)
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| • Municipality and town | 32,158 | ||
| • Density | 251.63/km2 (651.71/sq mi) | ||
| • Urban | 26,232 | ||
| • Urban density | 6,367/km2 (16,490/sq mi) | ||
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Colombia Standard Time) | ||
| Website | http://www.socorro-santander.gov.co | ||
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Socorro is a town and municipality in the Santander Department in northeastern Colombia. It was founded on March 16, 1681, by José de Archila and José Díaz Sarmiento. This town played a very important role in Colombia's history. It was the starting point of the Revolt of the Comuneros in 1781. This revolt was a major uprising against the unfair rules of Spanish colonial power.
Socorro also served as the capital of the Santander region between 1862 and 1886. In 2014, the Colombian government recognized Socorro as a Pueblo Patrimonio (heritage town). This means it is one of the special towns that preserve Colombia's history and culture.
Contents
History of Socorro
The town of Socorro began simply, growing up along the road that connected the towns of Velez and Giron. On June 16, 1683, wealthy landowners José de Archila and José Díaz Sarmiento donated land. They gave this land to the "Virgen de Nuestra Señora del Socorro" (Our Lady of Perpetual Help) to establish the village.
Later, a local leader named Blas García Cabrera asked for the area to become a parish. On November 27, the Archbishop of Santa Fe approved this request. The new parish was named "Nuestra Señora del Socorro." On December 2, the government leader of New Granada also approved this new administrative area.
Becoming a City and a Province
In 1771, after many years of growth, Socorro was granted the title of "city." Its name changed to "City of Our Lady Cossio Socorro and Otero." However, this title was later canceled by the King of Spain because it did not follow all the legal rules.
Despite this, King Charles III of Spain later honored Socorro on October 25, 1771, by calling it a "Very Noble and Loyal Villa." He also gave it a special coat of arms on April 25, 1773.
In 1795, King Charles IV made Socorro the capital of its own province, also named Socorro. This province covered more than half of what is now the Santander Department. Socorro continued to be an important center. It even served as the capital of the Santander State at different times, from 1861 until 1886.
The Comuneros Revolution
Socorro is famous for being the place where the Comuneros Revolution began on March 16, 1781. Many historians agree that the fight for independence in New Granada (which is now Colombia) started here.
The people of Socorro were upset about very high taxes. They revolted against the Spanish colonial government. This "Revolt of the Comuneros" was unique because the leaders were chosen by the people, showing early signs of democracy. They even formed an army, made up of ordinary villagers.
Sadly, the Comuneros leaders, including José Antonio Galán, were betrayed and lost their lives. But their desire for freedom did not die. On July 10, 1810, the people of Socorro, led by Dr. José Lorenzo Silver and Martínez, again challenged the colonial rule.
Famous People from Socorro
Socorro is the birthplace of Oscar Rodríguez Naranjo (1907–2006), a well-known Colombian painter. Another notable person from Socorro was Luis Enrique Rueda Otero (1910-1974), who was a dentist, politician, and community leader.
Geography of Socorro
Socorro covers a total land area of about 127.8 square kilometers (49.3 square miles). It is located in the southwest part of the Santander Department.
Where is Socorro Located?
Socorro is about 364 kilometers (226 miles) from Bogotá, the capital of Colombia. This trip takes about 6 hours by car. It is also 121 kilometers (75 miles) from Bucaramanga, the capital of the Santander Department, which is about a 2.5-hour drive.
Socorro shares its borders with several other towns:
- To the north: Cabrera and Pinchote
- To the south: Confines and Palmas del Socorro
- To the east: Páramo
- To the west: Simacota and Palmar
Socorro's Landscape
The land in Socorro varies greatly. Some areas have gentle slopes, while others are very steep. The gentle slopes are good for growing crops like coffee, sugar cane, citrus fruits, bananas, and corn.
However, some steep areas have been used for farming, which can lead to soil erosion. This happens when the soil is washed away because there are not enough plants to hold it in place. Efforts are being made to replant native trees to protect the land. The steep slopes also mean that farmers mostly use small tools instead of large machines.
Climate and Vegetation
Socorro has a warm to temperate climate. Most of its land is between 1,000 and 1,800 meters (3,280 and 5,900 feet) above sea level. The average temperature is around 24°C (75°F).
The rainy seasons are usually in April and October. The driest months are from January to March.
Education
Socorro is home to two important universities:
- Industrial University of Santander
- Free University of Colombia
Learning Spanish
Socorro has become a popular place for people to learn Spanish. Many visitors come here because the town is peaceful and the local people are friendly. You can find Spanish language schools like Escuela Hablamos Español - EHE Spanish School.
Images for kids
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Farm building in Socorro in the outer rural part of the town.
See also
In Spanish: El Socorro (Santander) para niños
