Monte Cristi is a province in northwestern Dominican Republic. The capital city is San Fernando de Monte Cristi (usually simply Monte Cristi). The spelling Montecristi is also seen.
Monte Cristi Province highlighted in blue; Cibao Noroeste region in gray.
About[]
Under the government of President Boyer, this district with those of Puerto Plata and Samana, the provinces of Santiago and La Vega, formed the department of Cibao or Northeast.
At that time, it formed the district of Monte Christ. Under the provisional government of 1843, this commune came under the canton of Fort Liberté of which the town of the same name was the capital.
Today, Monte Christ is one of the 16 maritime districts of the Dominican Republic. It contains the ruins of the first establishment founded by the Spaniards on the island in 1493. It is separated from the Haitian department of the Northeast, borough of Fort Liberté, by the Massacre River which forms the border line on this side following its right bank to its mouth. It contains the towns of Monte Christ, Dajabon, San Lorenzo de Guayubin, Sabaneta and the military post of Puerto Cabello.
History[]
In November 1803, Brigadier General Ferrand, who was in charge at Monte Cristi, learned that Rochambeau had evacuated the Cape. He subsequently retreated to Santo Domingo, where General Kerverseau was in command. The Spanish from Cibao sent a delegation to Dessalines to express their willingness to submit to his authority, to which Dessalines imposed a contribution of 500,000 tournament pounds, which they duly paid.
In 1890, the estimated population of the province was 12,000.
Geography[]
Monte Cristi Province, DR
Two mountain ranges traverse the region longitudinally: the Monte Cristi range to the north and the Sierra Samba situated centrally. Nestled between these two mountainous formations is the Yaque du Nord, also known as the Grand Yaque, which meanders through the landscape with numerous twists and turns. Over twenty rivers originate from the northern slopes of the Cibao, intersecting this area in various directions, thereby increasing the river's flow. The abundant waters foster lush vegetation, with notable rivers including the Animijo, Coabo, and Yaguajal, which converge into the Guagunia, as well as the Jacuba and Chaguei, which feed into the Macabon.
The coastal areas of the Monte Cristi district feature a series of relatively secure coves, while to the west lies a narrow and rugged peninsula known as the Mancenille (Manzanilla) peninsula.
Municipalities[]
1. Castañuela
2. Guayubín
5. San Fernando de Monte Cristi
Neighboring Regions[]
| 〰️North〰️ |
Upper East  Puerto Plata Province | |
|---|---|---|
| 〰️West〰️ Manzanillo Bay |
Dominican Republic |
East   Valverde Province |
Southwest  Fort Liberty, Borough Haiti |
South  Dajabón Province |
Southeast  Santiago Rodriguez Province |
Economy[]
The primary economic activity in this district is the raising of both large and small livestock. Trade with the districts of Fort Liberté and Cap-Haitien is very flourisihing.