Cotuí is a city in the
Dominican Republic and is one of the oldest cities of the new world. It is the capital of
Sánchez Ramírez Province in the
Cibao. It was founded in the year
1510 by Rodrigo de Trujillo for order of Nicolas de Ovando, who was the governor of Hispaniola. Cotuí was the name of an aboriginal Caribbean tribe leader (Cotoy) who governed the area. The city is well known for its gold, silver, iron, bauxite, marble, nickel, and other precious metals, mines; its rich soils; and the largest artificial lake in the
Caribbean,
Presa de Hatillo. It is also known for its crystal clear rivers, and its caverns (prehistoric caves called
Guácaras). It produces rice, plantains, cacao, pineapples, passion fruits, and yams.
It is the hometown of NY Mets pitcher Duaner Sánchez, Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jose Capellan.
Other major towns near Cotuí in Sánchez Ramírez, are Villa La Mata, Fantino, La Cueva and Cevicos.