Melgar, Tolima

History

The first settlement was called "Cualamana", later changed to "Villa de Nuestra Señora de Altagracia. In 1601 its name was changed to "La Candelaria", given by Captain Juan Lopez de Herrera. It was the site of an ancient Amerindian village that belonged to the Panches.

In the early 18th century the village was destroyed by a fire when the local religious celebrations were taking place. The village was rebuilt in 1789 by the Dominican community in the grounds owned by Cardenas Varastegui at the valley of the Sumapaz River. In the early days the place was called "Valle de Melgar". In 1824, the village was part of the Department of Cundinamarca, together with Tibacuy, Pasca, Pandi and Cunday. In 1851 the population was approximately 2,600 people and the economy was based on the production of quina.

In 1855, it became part of the Province of Neiva, together with Cunday and Carmen de Apicalá. By then, Melgar was also producing coffee. By decree issued on November 13, 1871 Melgar was elevated to the status of town. Melgar became part of the Department of Tolima after its creation.

Climate

The Köppen Climate Classification subtype for this climate is "Am". (Tropical Monsoon Climate), which is relatively rare.

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References

References

1. [http://www.citypopulation.de/en/colombia/tolima/73449__melgar/ Citypopulation.de] Population of Melgar municipality with localities
2. (2006). "World Map of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification updated". Meteorol. Z..
3. [http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=171208&cityname=Melgar%2C+Tolima%2C+Colombia&units= Climate Summary for Melgar, Colombia]