Ever wondered why this spot is called Tierrabaja? Perhaps not. But its story is tied to the very essence of Cartagena.
Welcome to Tierrabaja. It may seem like just another place. But this location plays a role in Cartagena’s story.
Tierrabaja sits within the municipality of Cartagena. Cartagena is in the Bolivar Department. This island covers about 19.84 square kilometers. It is home to around 9000 people. In 2014, it was announced that Tierrabaja would house the new Caribbean Naval Base of the Colombian Navy. The naval base occupies 33.4 hectares.
Cartagena’s story stretches back millennia. Around 4000 BC, the Puerto Hormiga culture thrived near Cartagena Bay. They were among the first documented communities in Colombia. These people created pottery.
Later, around AD 1500, the Carib people, specifically the Mocanae, inhabited this area. The Mocanae had villages around the bay. On the island of Tierrabomba stood the village of Carex. These tribes shared similar architecture. They built huts with circular rooms and tall roofs. Wooden palisades protected these villages.
In 1533, Spanish commander Pedro de Heredia founded Cartagena. He named it after Cartagena in Spain. The city became a key port for exporting silver to Spain. It also became a major slave market.
Pirates often attacked Cartagena. The city built fortifications to defend itself. These defenses included forts and walls. Important figures like Bautista Antonelli designed these fortifications. Construction continued for over two centuries.
In 1741, a large British armada attacked Cartagena. Admiral Edward Vernon led the British. The battle was part of the War of Jenkins’ Ear. The British managed to land marines on Tierrabomba and Manzanillo. Despite initial gains, the Spanish, led by Don Blas de Lezo, successfully defended the city.
Cartagena declared independence from Spain in 1811. However, Spain retook the city. Later, in 1821, Cartagena achieved final independence. Simon Bolivar named it the Heroic City.
Today, Cartagena is a major Colombian city. Its economy thrives on industry, tourism, and commerce. The port of Cartagena is one of South America’s largest. The walled city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tierrabaja now hosts a naval base. It stands as a testament to Cartagena’s continued importance. It is a symbol of its strategic location and its role in Colombia’s defense.
As you stand here in Tierrabaja, remember its place in Cartagena’s long and vibrant history. From ancient indigenous settlements to modern naval presence, Tierrabaja remains woven into the fabric of this heroic city.