Quebradillas, Puerto Rico

Quebradillas (Spanish pronunciation: [keβɾaˈðiʎas]) is a municipality of the island of Puerto Rico located in the north-western shore bordering the Atlantic Ocean, north of San Sebastián; east of Isabela; and west of Camuy. Quebradillas is spread over seven wards and Quebradillas Pueblo (the downtown area and the administrative center of the city). It is part of the San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Quebradillas

Municipio de Quebradillas
City and Municipality
View of the Guajataca Tunnel and coast line of Guajataca Beach
Flag
Nicknames: 
"La Guarida del Pirata", "La Ciudad del Cooperativismo"
Anthem: "De lejos canto, porque anhela el corazón"
Location of Quebradillas in Puerto Rico
Coordinates: 18°28′26″N 66°56′19″W
Commonwealth Puerto Rico
FoundedJune 7, 1823
Government
 • MayorHeriberto Velez Velez (PPD)
 • Senatorial dist.3 - Arecibo
 • Representative dist.15
Area
 • Total27.7 sq mi (71.66 km2)
 • Land23.2 sq mi (60 km2)
 • Water4.5 sq mi (11.66 km2)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total25,919
 • Density940/sq mi (360/km2)
Demonym(s)Quebradillanos
Time zoneUTC−4 (AST)
Zip code
00678
Major routes
Websitewww.quebradillas.pr.gov

Quebradillas is called "La Guarida del Pirata" (The Pirate's Hideout). A well known beach in the area, Puerto Hermina, is home to an old structure known to have been a hiding place for pirates and their contraband.

History

The town was founded in 1823 by Felipe Ruiz. This town derives its name from the large amount of streams flowing through it. The name literally means "small streams".

Geography

Quebradillas is home to one of the 20 designated forest preserves in Puerto Rico, the Guajataca Forest. The forest serves as a great example of an unusual topography known as karst country. Karst is characterized by dissolved limestone formations such as sinkholes and haystack-shaped hills known as "mogotes". It is also home to the beautiful man-made reservoir, Guajataca Lake (2.5 mi or 4.0 km long), where you can fish for largemouth bass, peacock bass, tilapia and bluegill (in Spanish known as "chopa"). You can also go hiking or camping. The Puerto Rico Council of the Boy Scouts of America maintains a campground on the lake known as Camp Guajataka. The name Guajataca comes from the name of a Taíno Indian chief who lived in this area. This Indian chief also gives his name to Guajataca Beach to the north where Río Guajataca flowing from Guajataca Lake meets the Atlantic Ocean. Guajataca Beach is popular with surfers and is known for its white sands and wild waters. This beach is ideal for sunning and collecting seashells.[1]

Barrios
Subdivisions of Quebradillas.

Like all municipalities of Puerto Rico, Quebradillas is subdivided into barrios. The municipal buildings, central square and large Catholic church are located in a barrio referred to as "el pueblo".[2][3][4]

  1. Cacao
  2. Charcas
  3. Cocos
  4. Guajataca
  5. Quebradillas barrio-pueblo[5]
  6. San Antonio
  7. San José
  8. Terranova

Sectors

Barrios (which are like minor civil divisions)[5] in turn are further subdivided into smaller local populated place areas/units called sectores (sectors in English). The types of sectores may vary, from normally sector to urbanización to reparto to barriada to residencial, among others.[6][7][8]

Special Communities
Main article: Puerto Rico Office for Socioeconomic and Community Development

Of the 742 places on the list of Comunidades Especiales de Puerto Rico, the following barrios, communities, sectors, or neighborhoods were in Quebradillas: Guajataca, Montadero, Parcelas Italas in Terranova, San Antonio, and Sector Las Piedras Barrio Cocos.[9]

Climate

The general climate of the town is subtropical.

Climate data for Quebradillas, Puerto Rico
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °F (°C) 82.5
(28.1)		 82.8
(28.2)		 83.6
(28.7)		 84.6
(29.2)		 85.8
(29.9)		 86.8
(30.4)		 87.1
(30.6)		 87.4
(30.8)		 87.7
(30.9)		 87.5
(30.8)		 85.8
(29.9)		 84.1
(28.9)		 85.5
(29.7)
Average low °F (°C) 66.3
(19.1)		 65.4
(18.6)		 66.1
(18.9)		 67.6
(19.8)		 68.7
(20.4)		 69.9
(21.1)		 71.3
(21.8)		 71.4
(21.9)		 71.3
(21.8)		 70.1
(21.2)		 68.7
(20.4)		 67.6
(19.8)		 68.7
(20.4)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 4.2
(110)		 3.0
(76)		 3.4
(86)		 4.5
(110)		 6.2
(160)		 4.8
(120)		 3.3
(84)		 4.7
(120)		 4.7
(120)		 5.0
(130)		 5.9
(150)		 5.0
(130)		 54.5
(1,380)
Source: Weatherbase [10]

Demographics

The United States took control of Puerto Rico from Spain in the aftermath of the Spanish-American War under the terms of the Treaty of Paris of 1898 and conducted its first census of Puerto Rico, finding that the population of Quebradillas was 7,432.

Historical population
CensusPop.%±
19007,432—
19108,1529.7%
19209,40415.4%
193010,1908.4%
194011,49412.8%
195013,71219.3%
196013,075−4.6%
197015,58219.2%
198019,72826.6%
199021,4258.6%
200025,45018.8%
201025,9191.8%
U.S. Decennial Census[11]
1899 (shown as 1900)[12] 1910-1930[13]
1930-1950[14] 1960-2000[15] 2010[3]

Tourism
Skate park in Quebradillas

Landmarks and places of interest

There are 6 beaches in Quebradillas.[16] The main attractions of Quebradillas are:

  • El Merendero (Scenic Park and Ocean Look-Out)
  • Guajataca Lake Reservoir (Inland)
  • La Cabeza del Indio (Indian Head at Puerto Hermina Beach)
  • The Old Liberty Theater (Downtown)
  • El Museo de Muñecas (Doll Museum)[houses over 1,000 Barbie dolls] - in Barrios Cocos
  • Guajataka Scout Reservation
  • Puerto Hermina Beach Pirate Ruins[17]
  • El Puente Blanco (Old White Train Bridge)
  • Casa Rafols-Iribas, site of Casa de la Cultura Cacique Mabodamaca (non-profit organization dedicated to preserve the culture, the arts and the historical sites of the town of Quebradillas)
  • Los Chorritos Pirata (aquatic park)
  • Mini golf course
  • Mosaic of nature
  • Miradero Guajataca
  • Race kart course (proposed)

Economy

Business

A small shopping center called Quebradillas Plaza is located in this municipality along with some manufacturing industries.

An event which negatively affected the region in the decade of the 1990s was the disappearance of tax exemptions to the private corporations [section 936 of the code of the US Internal Revenue Service ], which at the time was the ideal excuse for the closing of one of the greater manufacturers of textiles in the northwest area of the island. This decline of the industry of the needle occurred similarly in the bordering cities like Isabela and Camuy, generating a regional economic decline as the locals greatly depended on these jobs. In nearby towns like Hatillo, Mayagüez and Aguadilla, the arrival of mega stores and new shopping centers attracted the jobs that used to be in Quebradillas, helping to create the general vision of the town as "ghostly" because there is little movement in the city.

At the same time, since the Island lacks mass public transportation, people must resort to private cars (known as carro publico, public car in English) used as a bus as a mode of transportation. This, coupled with the fact that the only road to access the important cities, the Puerto Rico Highway 2, is congested most of the day, makes it difficult for people in the area to find work and thus contributes to the general economic decline.

Ironically, the town possesses one tunnel that at the beginning of the 20th century was utilized by steam driven trains that traveled throughout the Island. The disappearance of the same is considered as one of the most ironic facts of the modern history of Puerto Rico, since these railways were very extensive, built through earthly bluffs and were of great utility. Today, their absence only aggravates the problem of mass transit and the dependence on privately owned vehicles as the only method of transportation.[18]

The economy, entering into the 21st century, is based on retail sales. Many small businesses are located along the two main thoroughfares that cross Quebradillas. These consist mainly of light hardware, bakeries, pharmacies, seafood restaurants, American fast food chains and automobile car repair shops.

The town has bank branches for Banco Popular and local savings and credit Unions. These credit unions are most noted for their involvement in common and cultural activities, sponsoring and participating in festivals of typical music [Festival of the Gourd in December], sports and educational activities.

Culture

Festivals and Events
  • Three Kings Wake - January
  • Guajataka Downhill Races & Music Fest - January
  • Kite Festival - February
  • Guajataca Carnival - February
  • Patron Celebrations - October
  • Competition and Festival of the Güiro "Goyo el de Bironcho" - December

Sports

The town's official basketball team is Los Piratas'[19] who have won a dramatic number of tournaments in the past. Presently the team has made a "comeback" and has won the championship of the island (2013).

  • Basketball teams
  • Surfing - Guajataca Beach and Puerto Hermina (Pirates Cove)
  • Skateboarding - San Jose Skatepark
  • Baseball - Los Cocos Park
  • Longboarding

Government

The town's government is a small unit with few powers it can execute. Small elections are hosted in specific schools every four years to choose a town mayor.

# Mayor Term start Term end Terms   Party
01 Felipe Ruiz 1823 1 None
02 José de Ribera 1824 1 None
03 Francisco Antonio Bravo 1824 1 None
04 Francisco Rodríguez 1825 1 None
05 Juan Antonio Cancela 1828 1 None
06 Pedro Correa 1828 1 None
07 Antonio Comulada (1st term) 1828 1 None
08 Clemente Correa 1829 1832 1 None
09 Antonio J. Porrata 1833 1 None
10 Antonio Comulada (2nd term) 1839 1 None
11 José Bernabé Carranza 1847 1 None
12 José Cesáreo Zeno 1849 1 None
13 Juan de la Cruz Coca 1850 1 None
15 Máximo Ribas 1852 1 None
16 José Ramón Mestre 1853 1 None
17 Lucas Leonides Villalón 1854 1 None
18 Luis Vega de Alicea 1855 1856 1 None
19 Carlos Garavarain 1859 1860 1 None
20 Eduardo Delgado 1867 1 None
21 Carlos González Jiménez 1868 1 None
22 José Perignat y Ochoa 1868 1 None
23 José de Pinguas 1869 1 None
24 José Bernabé Carrazoza 1870 1871 1 None
25 Manuel Lloveras 1871 1 None
27 Francisco G. Condomo 1871 1872 1 None
28 Fernando Ruiz 1872 1 None
29 Nicolás Iglesias 1872 1873 1 None
30 Joaquín Aldea 1873 1 None
33 Manuel Lamela y Valdés (1st term) 1874 1879 1 None
34 Máximo Laborde 1879 1882 1 None
35 Manuel Lamela y Valdés (2nd term) 1882 1884 1 None
36 Felipe Negrón 1884 1890 1 None
37 Nicasio Rodicio (1st term) 1890 1 None
37 José Fidel Hernández (2nd term) 1891 1 None
38 Buenaventura Ocasio 1892 1 None
39 Eusebio de la Torre 1892 1893 1 None
40 José Fidel Hernández (2nd term) 1894 1 None
41 Nicasio Rodicio (2nd term) 1894 1895 1 None
42 José Garriga 1896 1 None
43 Nicasio Rodicio (3rd term) 1896 1898 1 None
44 Honorio Hernández 1898 1
45 Francisco Ramón Saavedra 1898 1
47 Conrado Santiago 1900 1
48 Manuel R. Ríos 1901 1
49 Manuel Reyes Ruiz 1902 1
50 Santiago Mestre 1904 1
51 Honorio Hernández (1st term) 1908 1
52 Honorio Hernández (2nd term) 1912 1917 1
53 Arcides Ocasio 1917 1
54 Manuel Lamela Abreu 1918 1944
55 José Pérez Soler 1945 1948 1
56 Gerardo Pérez Soler 1948 1960 3
57 Federico Molinari de Jesús 1964 1970 1
58 Gerardo Pérez Soler 1964 1970 1
60 Rafael Pérez Santalíz 1970 1992 3 PPD
59 Juan "Johnny" I. Rivera Vargas 1992 1996 1 PPD
60 Luis "El Cano" A. Pérez Reillo 1996 2005 2 PNP
61 Heriberto Vélez Vélez 2005 Incubment 3 PPD

Transportation

There are 4 bridges in Quebradillas.[20]

Symbols

Flag

It has two red quarters. The red stands for struggle, effort and sacrifice. The other two quarters have each five green and white stripes, similar to those that appear in the shield.

Coat of arms

The three waved stripes represent the quebradillas, over the green background of the vegetation. The fish and the walking stick (distinctive of the traveler), are insignias of San Rafael Arcángel, by allusion from the episodes narrated in the book of Tobías in the Old Testament.

Education

The town features many public and private schools. There is also a public electronic library near Los Chorritos Pirata water park.

New schools have been created thanks to a government initiative to have "21st century" schools.

Public Schools
  • Manuel Ramos Hernandez
  • Juan Alejo de Arizmendi
  • Eugenio Maria De Hostos
  • Luis Muñoz Rivera
  • Honorio Hernandez
  • Pedro Albizu Campos
  • Ramon E. Betancez
  • Ramon Avila Molinari
  • Ramon Saavedra
  • Jose De Diego

Private Schools
  • Colegio San Rafael
  • Soles del Jardín
  • Pequeños Aprendiendo

See also
  • Quebradillas Limestone — limestone rock formation in area.
  • San Juan–Caguas–Guaynabo metropolitan area topics
  • Did you know—Puerto Rico?

References
  1. "Quebradillas Municipality". enciclopediapr.org. Fundación Puertorriqueña de las Humanidades (FPH). Archived from the original on 2019-06-18. Retrieved 2019-03-20.
  2. Gwillim Law (20 May 2015). Administrative Subdivisions of Countries: A Comprehensive World Reference, 1900 through 1998. McFarland. p. 300. ISBN 978-1-4766-0447-3. Retrieved 25 December 2018.
  3. Puerto Rico:2010:population and housing unit counts.pdf (PDF). U.S. Dept. of Commerce Economics and Statistics Administration U.S. Census Bureau. 2010. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2017-02-20. Retrieved 2018-12-26.
  4. "Map of Quebradillas" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 2011-06-08. Retrieved 2007-12-18.
  5. "US Census Barrio-Pueblo definition". factfinder.com. US Census. Archived from the original on 13 May 2017. Retrieved 5 January 2019.
  6. "Agencia: Oficina del Coordinador General para el Financiamiento Socioeconómico y la Autogestión (Proposed 2016 Budget)". Puerto Rico Budgets (in Spanish). Retrieved 28 June 2019.
  7. Rivera Quintero, Marcia (2014), El vuelo de la esperanza: Proyecto de las Comunidades Especiales Puerto Rico, 1997-2004 (first ed.), San Juan, Puerto Rico Fundación Sila M. Calderón, ISBN 978-0-9820806-1-0
  8. "Leyes del 2001". Lex Juris Puerto Rico (in Spanish). Retrieved 24 June 2020.
  9. Rivera Quintero, Marcia (2014), El vuelo de la esperanza:Proyecto de las Comunidades Especiales Puerto Rico, 1997-2004 (Primera edición ed.), San Juan, Puerto Rico Fundación Sila M. Calderón, p. 273, ISBN 978-0-9820806-1-0
  10. "Weatherbase: Historical Weather for Quebradillas, Puerto Rico". Weatherbase. 2011. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2011-11-25. Retrieved on November 24, 2011.
  11. "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved September 21, 2017.
  12. "Report of the Census of Porto Rico 1899". War Department Office Director Census of Porto Rico. Archived from the original on July 16, 2017. Retrieved September 21, 2017.
  13. "Table 3-Population of Municipalities: 1930 1920 and 1910" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 17, 2017. Retrieved September 21, 2017.
  14. "Table 4-Area and Population of Municipalities Urban and Rural: 1930 to 1950" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 30, 2015. Retrieved September 21, 2014.
  15. "Table 2 Population and Housing Units: 1960 to 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on July 24, 2017. Retrieved September 21, 2017.
  16. "Las 1,200 playas de Puerto Rico [The 1200 beaches of Puerto Rico]". Primera Hora (in Spanish). April 14, 2017. Archived from the original on December 12, 2019. Retrieved December 12, 2019.
  17. "Puerto Hermina Ruins". Atlas Obscura. Archived from the original on 8 May 2019. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
  18. Oliver, Lance (April 16, 2000). "The Prettiest Face Of Puerto Rico". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on 18 February 2019. Retrieved 18 February 2019.
  19. Look for quebradillas "The pirates" for the main page.
  20. "Quebradillas Bridges". National Bridge Inventory Data. US Dept. of Transportation. Archived from the original on 20 February 2019. Retrieved 19 February 2019.
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