Cibao

The Cibao is the broad valley and mountain country of northern Hispaniola, where rivers descend between the island’s principal ranges. Its fertile plains formed part of Maguá, the Taíno chiefdom associated with Guarionex. Early Spanish visitors heard of gold in Cibao, a name they recorded during their first explorations.

After founding La Isabela on the northern coast, Columbus established a fort called Concepción in the Cibao valley near the country of Guarionex. Spanish demands for tribute and control over gold-bearing lands brought conflict with Indigenous leaders. Guarionex accepted tribute demands after the military defeat of several allied Indigenous chiefs in 1495. The valley became a focus of conquest, settlement and exploitation, linking the north coast with the interior of the island.