Valencia de Jesús facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Valencia de Jesús
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Location in the municipality of Valledupar.
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| Country | Colombia |
| Department | Cesar |
| Municipality | Valledupar |
| Founded | 1590 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Corregimiento |
| Time zone | UTC-5 |
Valencia de Jesús is a small town and a corregimiento (a type of local administrative division) in Valledupar, Department of Cesar, Colombia. It is famous for having one of the oldest churches in the Americas.
Contents
History of Valencia de Jesús
Founding and Early Days
Valencia de Jesús was first started around 1590 by Captain Antonio Florez. He named it Dulce Nombre de Jesus. However, the local Chimila people often attacked the town. Because of these attacks, the town had to move closer to Valledupar.
The original town was then called Pueblo Viejo, which means "Old Town." Later, in the 20th century, Pueblo Viejo changed its name to Pueblo Bello. The new town, built closer to Valledupar, was named Nueva Valencia, meaning "New Valencia."
Importance During Spanish Rule
During the time when Spain was taking over and settling the Americas, Valencia was a very important Spanish area. It was as important as Valledupar itself. Valencia was the main town for its local government, and its land stretched far and wide. It went from Nabusimake all the way to El Paso.
Valencia was also a major religious center for the Dominican Order. The Dominicans were a group of priests who taught the Christian faith to the native people. The church in Valencia de Jesús had a large area it looked after. This area bordered Valledupar to the north and Azúcar Buena I. To the west, it bordered the Garupal River. To the south, it reached Espiritu Santo, near the Cesar River, up to a place called Alto Minas.
Role in Independence
In the 1800s, when Colombia was fighting for its independence from Spain, Valencia was a strong village. Many of its people were wealthy landowners who owned large farms called haciendas.
When Valledupar rebelled against the Spanish king, Fernando VII, Valencia de Jesús chose to support the king. The people of Valencia organized and fought against the people of Valledupar. However, Valledupar won the battle. After Colombia gained its independence, Valencia de Jesús became less important. It was eventually made part of Valledupar.
See also
In Spanish: Valencia de Jesús para niños
