About Honduras
- Honduras History
- About Roatan
History (a snap-shot of time)
Honduras is located in Central America, above El Salvador and in between Guatemala and Nicaragua. Earliest findings show that Honduras was settled as far back as 1200 BC. The more popular and glorified time was around 250 AD during the Mayan Dynasty. The Mayans were very artistic in their sculptures as it can be seen in the ruins located in the mountain town of Copan. Temples recently unearth show a very industrialized civilization which leaves archeologists baffled that around 900 AD the Mayans just disappeared from the area.
In 1502, Columbus on his 4th and final voyage sailed down to what is now known as Trujillo, Honduras. Here marked the beginning of the Spanish Colonization of Honduras and much of Central America. The Spanish were not well received and the Native Central Americans nearly forced them out. The tides turned for the Lenca's (native tribe) when Lempira, the great Chief was crossed by the Spanish at a peace conference. The Spanish executed Lempira and the resistance was over. To Lempiras credit his determination would stand the test of time and his name would become the national currency.
Though Honduras is a Spanish speaking country, the infamous Capt. Henry Morgan left his mark on the history books for the British Settlements of the west. Around 1600, British born pirates settled along the coastline of Roatan and Capt. Morgan and his pirates would spend the next several years raiding Spanish ports as far south as Panama.
Honduras over the next century went through many ups and downs. They gained independence from Spain in 1821 and were briefly part of Mexico till 1838 when they gained their independence as a separate nation. Between 1821 and 1982 the constitution of Honduras would be rewritten nearly 17 times.
The "Banana Republic" as Honduras was also known as would gain notoriety from groups such as Standard Fruit and United Fruit Companies. Between the two they owned more than _ of all banana plantations which would comprise of 66% of all exported goods from Honduras. Standard Fruit would later merge with DOLE Fruit which is considered the largest fruit provider in the world.
One of the more infamous times in Honduras history had to be the events of 1969 and the Futbol Wars. Tensions between Honduras and El Salvador grew through the 1950-60's when refugees of an over populated El Salvador fled to Honduras. During the height of the political battle between these two neighbors the Honduran government sent back over 15,000 of 300,000 refugees. Claims of mistreatment became stirring even more trouble between the two.
In June of 1969 during a World Cup qualifier (in El Salvador) between El Salvador and Honduras, several fans for Hondurans were attacked. The Honduras government retaliated by expelling several more thousand Salvadoran immigrants. Allegations flew back and forth until the Salvadoran government lashed out with a bombing raid on several airports. The war itself lasted only 100 hours but tension existed until a peace treaty was signed in 1980.The 80's were an ugly time for not only Honduras but all of Central America. The Contra Wars which was heavily fueled by the U.S. kept most of Central America under Military rule. It wasn't until 1989 when democracy finally established itself in Honduras. The structure of the government is similar to what you see in the U.S., three tiers, Executive, Administrative and Judicial Branches. Stability in the government has finally come to Honduras and has been so far over a decade. Honduras like many of their neighboring countries are striving to promote tourism. The newly appointed President Maduro is a strong advocate of tourism and has made it a mission to promoting the country as a safe and beautiful place to visit and by all accounts he has made some very impressionable improvements.
Roatan
Roatan is the largest and more developed of the Bay Islands ( Utila & Guanaja are the other 2), it has the shape of a crocodile, is almost 40 miles long with a total land mass of 49 square miles, the island has a mountainous backbone and is totally surrounded by coral reefs, offering great snorkeling, scuba diving & fishing.Roatan is inhabited by approximately 20,000 people, English is widely spoken (part of the English pirate heritage) although Spanish is the official language of Honduras and the Bay Islands. Traveling around the island by car is easy since the majority of the roads are paved, you can use the public transportation service or rent a car to see Roatan at your own leisure.
There are three fairly large towns: Roatan (or Coxen's Hole) is the capital of the department. French Harbor and Oak Ridge are strongholds of the island's flourishing fishing fleet. All commercial business and official activities develop in these three towns since banks, government offices, large stores, etc. are located there. Then there is the other part of Roatan...composed of small, quaint seaside fishing villages that still retain the enchanting relaxed & friendly atmosphere of the old days.
West End
Probably the most famous area of Roatan, and without question the one offering more establishments catering to the tourist, West End village is located on the northwest side of the island, 13 km away from Roatan international airport, it has the longest stretch of white sandy beaches on the island, the sea is calm and clear making it the perfect place for all sorts of water activities.
The village is sprawled along 2 km, it consists of 1 small street running parallel to the sea, populated by a wide variety of bars, restaurants, dive shops, gift shops, stores, etc...everything is within walking distance, the area is safe and virtually crime free, the local people are friendly and helpful.
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