--- title: "Five Facts About the Dominican Republic" url: https://www.casadecampo.com.do/blog/2016/08/15/five-facts-about-the-dominican-republic/ date: 2016-08-15 modified: 2026-09-02 lang: en author: "Casa de Campo" description: "The Dominican Republic is a beautiful place to visit. There are so many rich cultural experiences to try, not to mention stunning natural landscapes and beautiful white sand beaches. The..." categories: - "Blog" image: https://www.casadecampo.com.do/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/santo-domingo-480x280-1.jpg word_count: 469 --- # Five Facts About the Dominican Republic ## Key Takeaways - Santo Domingo is the oldest European settlement in the Western Hemisphere, founded in 1496 after Christopher Columbus colonizes the island in 1492. - Casa de Campo Resort hosts historic excursions to Santo Domingo’s UNESCO World Heritage site, including the first university, hospital, cathedral and monastery in the Americas. - The Dominican Republic has over 450 players currently active in Major League Baseball, and the Casa de Campo International Blue Marlin Classic is one of the annual sport fishing tournaments held for marlin and swordfish. The Dominican Republic is a beautiful place to visit. There are so many rich cultural experiences to try, not to mention stunning natural landscapes and beautiful white sand beaches. The Dominican Republic is certainly one of the most popular vacation destinations in the Caribbean, but did you know that it’s also the oldest? In honor of the upcoming national holiday Restoration Day, we’ve compiled five facts about the Dominican Republic that you may not know. 1: The Dominican Republic is the oldest country in the Americas, and Santo Domingo, its capital, and largest city, is the oldest European settlement in the Western Hemisphere. Christopher Columbus colonized the island 1492, and Santo Domingo was founded shortly afterward in 1496. 2: Santo Domingo is also home to the first university, hospital, cathedral and monastery in the Americas. The oldest cathedral, aptly named the Catedral Primada de América, is believed to house the ashes of explorer Christopher Columbus and his son Diego, who laid the first stone of the impressive building in 1514. Explore all of these important cultural landmarks, as well as the rest of this UNESCO World Heritage site, on a private guided tour during a [historic excursion](https://www.casadecampo.com.do/experiences/excursions/) from Casa de Campo Resort. 3: The Dominican Republic has the largest economy in the Caribbean, and is the second largest Caribbean nation, after Cuba. Traditional exports were sugar, gold, silver, and coffee. La Romana, home to Casa de Campo Resort, was actually founded as an industrial town. Today sights such as [Altos de Chavón](https://www.casadecampo.com.do/experiences/altos-de-chavon/), accolades such as the [best golf course](https://www.casadecampo.com.do/golf/teeth-of-the-dog/) in the Caribbean, and of course, local resorts, support the tourism and service industry – now one of the more prominent sectors of the Dominican Republic. 4: Baseball and fishing are the most popular sports in the Dominican Republic. Over 450 players currently active in Major League Baseball are from the Dominican Republic. [Sport fishing](https://www.casadecampo.com.do/experiences/marina/) is so popular that multiple tournaments – including the Casa de Campo International Blue Marlin Classic – are held each year for big game fish such as marlin and swordfish. 5: The Dominican Republic fought hard for its independence, and had to earn it more than once. In 1821 the entire island of Hispaniola, which is shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic, declared independence from Spain. Two decades later, the Dominican Republic sought independence from Haiti in the Dominican War of Independence. The second stint of independence was difficult for the island nation, and it fell back under Spanish rule. In the Dominican War of Restoration in 1865, the Dominican Republic fought for its independence and achieved it once and for all. Rich history. Remarkable cultural experiences. Beautiful natural surroundings. Delicious cuisine. There’s no shortage of things to discover during your vacation in the Dominican Republic! Start planning your [Casa de Campo vacation](https://www.casadecampo.com.do/vacation-packages-offers/) today. ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: Why is the Dominican Republic considered historically important in the Americas?** A: The Dominican Republic stands out because it is described as the oldest country in the Americas, and Santo Domingo is the oldest European settlement in the Western Hemisphere. That matters because its history starts very early, with Christopher Columbus colonizing the island in 1492 and Santo Domingo being founded in 1496. For travelers, that means the country is not just a beach destination, it also has some of the earliest colonial landmarks in the region. **Q: What can I see on a historic excursion from Casa de Campo?** A: A historic excursion from Casa de Campo can take you through Santo Domingo’s major cultural landmarks, including the first university, hospital, cathedral, and monastery in the Americas. The page also points to the Catedral Primada de América and says this UNESCO World Heritage site can be explored on a private guided tour. If you want a trip that mixes history with sightseeing, this is the clearest way to connect Casa de Campo with the country’s oldest heritage sites. See [historic excursion](https://www.casadecampo.com.do/experiences/excursions/). **Q: Is La Romana just a resort area, or does it have an industrial history too?** A: La Romana has both. The page says it was founded as an industrial town before tourism became one of its more prominent sectors. That shift matters because it explains why today you see places like Altos de Chavón and top golf alongside resorts and service businesses. Casa de Campo sits right in that mix, so a stay there connects you to both the area’s working past and its current tourism focus. **Q: What sports are most associated with the Dominican Republic?** A: Baseball and fishing are identified as the most popular sports in the Dominican Republic. The baseball side is especially strong, with over 450 currently active Major League Baseball players from the country. Fishing is also a major part of local culture, enough that tournaments like the Casa de Campo International Blue Marlin Classic are held each year for big game fish such as marlin and swordfish. For visitors, that makes sport fishing a real part of the destination, not just an add-on. See [Sport fishing](https://www.casadecampo.com.do/experiences/marina/). **Q: What should I prioritize if I want a short trip that covers culture, golf, and beaches?** A: Prioritize a stay that combines history, golf, and coastal experiences, because that matches what this page highlights about the Dominican Republic and Casa de Campo. The country offers rich cultural experiences, natural landscapes, and white sand beaches, while Casa de Campo adds access to Altos de Chavón, world class golf, and a private Caribbean lifestyle setting. If you want one base that fits multiple interests without bouncing around too much, Casa de Campo vacation planning makes sense. See [Altos de Chavón](https://www.casadecampo.com.do/experiences/altos-de-chavon/) and [Casa de Campo vacation](https://www.casadecampo.com.do/vacation-packages-offers/).