Angostura

Angostura, capital of the province of Guayana, in Venezuela, on the right bank of the Orinoco, about 240 miles from its mouth. It is built at a pass (angostura), where the river is narrowed by rocks. The site is only 191 feet above the sea-level; and the Orinoco is navigable to this point for vessels of 300 tons. The town, which dates from 1764, is the seat of a bishop. It has a brisk trade in tobacco, coffee, cocoa, indigo, cotton, cattle, hides, and tallow. In 1819 it was decreed that its name should be changed to Ciudad Bolívar, after the liberator. Pop. 11,686.