Santa Clara
Santa Clara, Cuba, the capital of Villa Clara province. It lies in central Cuba, about 160 miles (257 km) southeast of Havana. Santa Clara is a transportation hub and the processing and distribution center for an area producing sugar, tobacco, and cattle. The city was founded in the 1680's on the site of an old Indian village that was reputedly visited by Columbus. In 1958 the forces of Fidel Castro captured Santa Clara, a victory important in Castro's campaign to overthrow dictator Fulgencio Batista.
Population: 205,796.
