Usulután

Usulután lies in eastern El Salvador, inland from the Pacific coast. Its name comes from Nahuat and is commonly interpreted as referring to a place among ocelots. The Spanish-language encyclopedia describes the settlement as originally Lenca and later under Pipil influence. During the Spanish conquest, its inhabitants resisted forces led by Diego de Rojas in 1529; further fighting took place in the region in the following years. By 1770 Usulután was the centre of a parish, and in 1786 it became the seat of a district within the Intendancy of San Salvador. Local leader Gregorio Melara took part in the independence disturbances of 1811 and 1814. Usulután received the title of villa in 1827.