San Pedro (de Marcois) Located to the southeast of the island, between Juan Dolio and La Romana lies the industrial seaport "San Pedro de Macoris" the center of the islands cattle and sugar industry. The origin of San Pedro de Macoris can be tracked back as far as 1822 when Haiti conquered the whole island. The invasion and occupation of Haiti, forced many citizens of Santo Domingo to flee the city before being taken over. Driving them east they finally arrive at the mouth of the river "Higuamo" to settle again. It was in 1852 the city was declared "San Pedro De Macoris and in June of 1882 the government proclaimed the area the province of "San Pedro De Marcois". By 1930 the city had grown to be the cultural and economic center of the island with soaring sugar price on the international market as a result of the First World War. This brought many workers from the Windward and Leeward for employment in the sugar mills that now surrounded the city. These immigrants who were called "Cocolos" played an important part in the growth of the city. Together with native people of this area they helped build a city of Neoclassical elegance and Victorian Styling that is still present today. Located in the city is the Cathedral, San Pablo, Apostolo. Facing the river Higuamo the tower can be seen all over the town. The Universidad Central del Este (Eastern Central University) where many Dominicans and foreigners pursue the university studies is located in the city as well. From time the university open, it help transform the city lifestyles with the demand for housing, restaurants, supermarket, apartments, etc. Known throughout the island, San Pedro de Marcois is the home of "Dominican Baseball". It produces more baseball players than any other spot on the island. Though baseball was alreay being palyed by the time of the economic boom when sugar prices rose it was the American and Dominican sugar mill owners who encourage the playing of the game between workers from different sugar mills in competition. When sugar prices fell on the market the city economy fell. It was then that the city recognized that they had another great natural commodity "The Baseball Player". The city becomes a major attraction between October and February when the official season of baseball starts in the Dominican Republic. The lights of the Tetelo Vargas Stadium in San Pedro de Marcois are turned on and will host their local team "The Estrellas Orientales (Eastern Stars)". Today San Pedro de Macoris once again is enjoying the limelight and economic growth with it industrial free zone, Universidad Central del Este and its contribution of major league baseball players to the world. |