On This Day

Mérida is founded in Venezuela

Mérida, officially known as Santiago de los Caballeros de Mérida, is the capital of the municipality of Libertador and the state of Mérida, and is one of the main cities of the Venezuelan Andes.

Mérida, officially known as Santiago de los Caballeros de Mérida, is the capital of the municipality of Libertador and the state of Mérida, and is one of the main cities of the Venezuelan Andes. It was founded in 1558 by Captain Juan Rodríguez Suárez, forming part of Nueva Granada, but later became part of the Captaincy General of Venezuela and played an active role in the War of Independence.

The capital city's population is 199,878 inhabitants, and the metropolitan area (including the municipalities of Libertador, Campo Elías, Sucre, and Santos Marquina) reaches 392,751 people (2011 census). The city accounts for 24% of the total population of Mérida State. It is home to the University of Los Andes and the Archdiocese of Mérida.

Historical Significance

Mérida, officially known as Santiago de los Caballeros de Mérida, is the capital of the municipality of Libertador and the state of Mérida, and is one of the main cities of the Venezuelan Andes.

Events Before

  1. Osep Gregoriwich Napea, the 1st Russian ambassador to England, arrives in London

    Osep Gregoriwich Napea, the 1st Russian ambassador to England, arrives in London

  2. Cuenca is founded in Ecuador

    Cuenca, officially Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca, is an Ecuadorian city, head of the canton of the same name and capital of the province of Azuay, as well as its largest and most populated city.

  3. England declares war on France

    England declares war on France

  4. Dutch States General meet at Valenciennes

    Dutch States General meet at Valenciennes

  5. Battle of St Quentin in Picardy: Lamoraal, Count of Egmont and Philibert, Duke of Savoy (Spanish Empire) beat the Duke o

    Battle of St Quentin in Picardy: Lamoraal, Count of Egmont and Philibert, Duke of Savoy (Spanish Empire) beat the Duke of Montmorency (France)

Events After

  1. Elizabeth I is crowned Queen of England at Westminster Abbey in London

    Westminster Abbey, formally titled the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster, is an Anglican church in the City of Westminster, London, England.

  2. Storm floods ravage Gorinchem, Dordrecht & Woudrichem, Netherlands

    Storm floods ravage Gorinchem, Dordrecht & Woudrichem, Netherlands

  3. England and France sign the first Treaty of Le Cateau-Cambrésis

    England and France sign the first Treaty of Le Cateau-Cambrésis

  4. Spain & France sign 2nd Treaty of Le Cateau-Cambrésis

    Spain & France sign 2nd Treaty of Le Cateau-Cambrésis

  5. Scottish Protestants under John Knox uprise against queen mother Mary

    Scottish Protestants under John Knox uprise against queen mother Mary

More from the 1550s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on October 9, 1558?
Mérida, officially known as Santiago de los Caballeros de Mérida, is the capital of the municipality of Libertador and the state of Mérida, and is one of the main cities of the Venezuelan Andes. It was founded in 1558 by Captain Juan Rodríguez Suárez, forming part of Nueva Granada, but later became part of the Captaincy General of Venezuela and played an active role in the War of Independence. The capital city's population is 199,878 inhabitants, and the metropolitan area (including the municipalities of Libertador, Campo Elías, Sucre, and Santos Marquina) reaches 392,751 people (2011 census).
Why is Mérida is founded in Venezuela significant?
Mérida, officially known as Santiago de los Caballeros de Mérida, is the capital of the municipality of Libertador and the state of Mérida, and is one of the main cities of the Venezuelan Andes.

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