History of La Paloma

While their coasts were explored by the first conquerors in the sixteenth century, La Paloma not officially emerged as a destination until 1870, when the emblematic Faro de Santa Maria was built. The sharp rocks in the desert darkness made more waves revolts Cape Santa Maria a frequent scene of shipwrecks.

Lighthouse of La Paloma began to be constructed from the tragic sinking of the French ship Lise Amelie in 1868. The wreck had great national and global impact, to the point that the building of the lighthouse, awarded by tender to the company urgently River Lighthouses decreed Plate & Cia. Another tragedy marked the fate of the lighthouse, which collapsed suddenly when was nearing completion. Finally, a new lighthouse was erected successfully in 1874, the same beacon that illuminates the sea still one of the symbols of La Paloma, declared a historical monument in 1976.

About Faro began to form the spa, which increased its population and visitors each year. The spa was named after the old Isla La Paloma (also called Big Island), facing the bay. The island (which in the 30s joined the coast) was named for the way he took the foam breaking on the shore, similar to these birds.

The port, rail and extending over the Bay casitas consolidated at La Paloma as a classic destination Rocha during the first decades of the twentieth century. In 1936 electricity arrived, replacing kerosene lanterns. That same year the Society of Cape Santa Maria was organized in order to develop the town. The following year opened the emblematic Hotel Cape Santa Maria, and in 1939 rises La Paloma to the condition of people.

Already in the seventies, the port is remodeled and fishermen are relocated, most in the Puertito of the boats. The growing urbanization of La Paloma makes is raised to city status in 1982.

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See also information on Rocha.