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Among the "firsts" that occurred there by virtue of the position held by La Española as the base of operations established by Spain to extend its dominion over the so called "Terra Firma" of the continent, we can cite the following:
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The
first mass celebrated in America.
It was held in the still unfinished church built at La Isabela. Here Latin was heard for the first time in America in the liturgical rites conducted by Father Bernardo Boyl as celebrant, accompanied by the group of priests who arrived with him on Columbus second voyage.
The
first municipality of the New World.
Established in La Isabela in 1494. Its being the first with respect to other municipalities in America was one of the themes of the Second Interamerican Congress of Municipalities held in Miami, Florida from April 11 to 14,1984. During the conference it was agreed, in its final resolution, to hold a Congress of Municipalities of America in Santo Domingo in 1994, on the occasion of the celebration, in that year, of the fifth centennial of the establishment of the first municipality in America.
First
capital in America.
Founded, according to tradition, on August 4, 1496 by Governor Bartholomew Columbus, who named it Santo Domingo, although it was also known as Nueva Isabela. According to some, it was called Santo Domingo because the governor wanted to honor the saint of the day; others say it was in honor of his father, whose name was Domenico.
Founding
of the first city of Santiago in America.
It had its origin in the fort, which Columbus had built between 1495 and 1496 on the banks of the Yaque River, between Fort Catalina and Fort Concepción. Chief Guacanagarix exposed a plot designed by native chiefs who were trying to repeat what had been done at Fort Navidad. His idea was, presumably, to win back the Great Admiral's trust, which had been weakened in part by the suspicion which had fallen upon him regarding his possible participation in the annihilation of the first fort established by the Spanish in America.
First
vice regal court in America.
Established in 1509 by Diego Columbus (son of the Great Admiral) and Maria de Toledo. The construction of his provisional headquarters was followed by that of his palace, begun in 151 0, giving rise to the accusation that the Viceroy was constructing a house that was like a fortress.
First
royal audience of the Indies.
Created by means of a provision issued in Burgos by Fernando V in the name of Doña Juana, on October 5, 1 51 1. It was established to strengthen the royal power in the New World with regard to the claims of the descendants of Columbus concerning the fulfillment of the Capitulations or the Articles of Agreement of Santa Fe, which established the rights and privileges that corresponded to the Admiral and his direct descendants should his discoveries and conquests become a reality.
Commentaries
First
cathedral of America.
First treaty between a European power Signed in 1533 by the Emperor Charles V and Chief Enriquillo to put an end to the rebellion of Bahoruco, which, after 14 years, the Spanish had not been able to put down.
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First
university in America.
Founded on October 28, 1538, by the Papal bull in apostolatus culmine, issued by Pope Paul III. The undisputed authenticity of this was a result of research done in the Vatican Archives by Father Beltrán de Heredia, O.P.
