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Cumaná, Venezuela is the first city founded on South
American soil. Founded in 1521 by Gonzalo de Ocampo on
the site of a Franciscan mission on the banks of the Río
Manzanares where it meets the Caribbean sea, Cumaná
unfortunately has very little of its colonial origins
still existant.
Earthquakes in 1684, 1765 and 1929 destroyed much of
the city, but it was rebuilt each time for its location,
its excellent natural harbor and sardine fishing and
canning industry. |