FUERZA AEREA COLOMBIANA

In the pre-Colombian time the territory was inhabit by people of the Guajiros, Macuiros, Anates, Wayunaiki, Cuanaos and Eneales.

In 1498 Alonso de Ojeda navigate around the peninsula of La Guajira, but the one who disembark in what today is Riohacha is Juan de La Cosa.

In the colony time, the territory is fight by the governors of Santa Martha and Venezuela, the reason was the presence of precious pearls.

The governor of Santa Martha wins the fight. Martin Fernandez de Enciso found the city of Nuestra Señora Santa Maria de los Remedios del Cabo de la Vela, first capital of the territory.

In 1535 Don Nicolas de Federman found the city of Riohacha and in 1544 was moved the capital to the city of Riohacha.

In 1871 is separated of the Magdalena department and is created La Guajira as part of the national territories.

In 1898 was created the Intendance of La Guajira

To this region arrive the Arabic immigrants (Christians maronites) from Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and Jordan, countries under the Ottoman Empire.

In 1911 was created the commissary of la Guajira.

Around 1930 the Colombian Arabic’s establish in la Guajira, specially in Maicao.

In 1954 was again created the intendance of la Guajira and Riohacha is declared municipality.

Finally in 1964 is created the department of La Guajira.