Leon

The first city named León in Nicaragua was founded in 1524 by Francisco Hernández de Córdoba about 30 kilometres (20 mi) east of the present site. The city was abandoned in 1610 after a series of earthquakes spawned by a volcanic eruption. The ruins of that city are known as León Viejo and were excavated in 1960. In the year 2000, León Viejo was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. León had been the capital of Nicaragua since colonial times. So naturally, when Nicaragua withdrew from the United Provinces of Central America in 1839, León became the capital of the new nation. For some years, the capital shifted back and forth between León and the city of Granada. …

Leon sits in the coastal lowlands of northwestern Nicaragua with volcanoes and hills of the central highlands in view to the east. Geological features around Leon include: Poneloya beach, a major tourist destination on the Pacific Ocean. San Jacinto Swarms, geothermal place at the base of the Santa Clara volcano which form part of its vents. This phenomenon is known as Thermal sharpen to simmer. Momotombo volcano, with its 1,300 m (4,270 ft) summit, it is a visual reference in the Leonese landscape. At its feet lies León Viejo. The Momotombo name is a Native American word for "Great Summit Burning". There is a geothermal power plant on the foothills. …

José de la Cruz Mena, classical composer (1874–1907). Azarías Pallais, poet and literary figure (1884–1954). Luis Pallais Debayle, politician (born 1930) Alfonso Cortés, poet (1893–1969). Salomón of the Jungle, poet, writer, diplomat, translated W Whitman to Spanish (1893–1959). Antenor Sandino, metaphysical poet (1899–1969). Anastasio Somoza Debayle, Nicaraguan president (1st term: 1967–1972, 2nd term: 1974–1979). Enrique Bermúdez, Contra leader (1932–1991). Dr. Jose Venancio Berrios Obregon. Las Penitas Beach Founder (1960). Political Chief of Leon, Nicaragua (1900-1979) Madre Adela Galindo José Areas, percussionist, played timbales in the Latin rock group Santana in 1969–1977 and 1987–1989 (1946-today).