The archaeological riches scattered in the municipality and the abundant indigenous words (toponyms) indicate that its native population is of Mayan-Caribbean origin, who lived together with other Chontal peoples, such as the Carcas.
As an example, the names of regions, communities, rivers, valleys and mountains with indigenous meanings are common: Banadí, Artigua, Kurinwas, Tapalwas, Carrawas, Timulí, Siquia and Tawa.
With the boom in mining activity, between the 1870s and 1880s, the urban embryo began with the emergence of the first mineral workers camp in Santo Domingo. This information is confirmed by the Nicaraguan historian Jerónimo Pérez (1838-1878), in his book "Memories".
The first miners were indigenous and mestizos, who came from the northern region of the Segovias and arrived in Santo Domingo in 1872. This first miners' village was founded to the east of Pital, in the vicinity of the Artigua river current, (called today Río Sucio) and the constructions were straw and wood huts that bordered both sides.
Until the year 1913, the small hamlet or Valle de Santo Domingo was a region of the municipality of La Libertad. By national legislative provisions on March 17, 1913, it was declared: "The Valley of Santo Domingo, in the department of Chontales, is elevated to the category of town." According to the Official Gazette of October 17, 1951, the Legislative Law certifies that the town of Santo Domingo de Chontales becomes a city.
Currently mining is the main economic activity of the municipality, with a notable presence of livestock, agriculture and commerce.
Artistic expressions and manifestations
Musicians
Edgard Alfredo Alonso Sobalvarro, together with Oscar Lino Paz Cubas and three other companions, formed the best musical group that Chontales has ever had: “The Gods of Fire”, in the 70s. He currently works as a miner, but is still a renowned musician in the municipality.
Legends
In the surroundings of Cerro Chato there are forests that house the Sisimique, a mythological character who walks with his feet opposite to the direction of his walk.
Characters who have contributed to the history and culture of the town
For their hard work in teaching, the teachers stand out: Concepción Delgado, Gloria Molina, Ena Salinas, Lidia Salinas and Vilma Sandoval.
The teacher of generations Leticia Ortega was decorated with the President of Nicaragua medal (2016).
Teacher Ivania García, literacy teacher and teacher of generations
The writer Hernán Ríos is a doctor and an award-winning writer of novels and short stories.
Federico Salinas Kauffman and Rafael Acevedo (RIP), sports promoters.
Orlando Sobalvarro, plastic artist.
Carlos Santos Berroterán (RIP), university professor, civil engineer and scientist who predicted the Managua earthquake in 1972.
Craft trades
Shoe and saddlery. Don César Augusto's workshop is one of those that manufactures the famous Chontal boots. It is located on the main street of Santo Domingo.
Don Jose Rene He is the boss of one of the five shoe stores that Santo Domingo has.
güiriseros grouped in the cooperative of small miners.
Other sites of historical and cultural interest
Architectural vestiges of the Chontals. In the region of El Castillo there are vestiges of ancient monuments of surprising architecture, which have not been studied to learn more about the architectural art of the ancient Chontals. In the Banadí region there are ancient indigenous sculptures, and to the east numerous scientifically unexplored caves. Throughout the municipal territory there is an abundance of indigenous engravings.
A short distance south of the town center, next to the Artigua River current, known as the Sucio River, are the remains of the popular El Jabalí mine, of great reference in Chontaleño history and mining.
Crafts
Shoe and saddlery: manufacture of cowboy boots, shoes, bags, leggings and packs.
Pottery: manufacture of utilitarian and decorative ceramics.
Jewelery in gold and silver: manufacture of jewelry of different styles.
Gallery
Tourist Offer Map