Mosquito Coast

Mosquito Coast, or MOSQUITIA, formerly an independent state under the protectorate of Britain, lies on the east side of Nicaragua (q.v.), to which it has belonged since 1860. The coast-lands are low and swampy, but the interior rises into mountains, and is healthy. The characteristic products of the West Indies are grown. The inhabitants are a mixed race, of Indian and African blood, and number about 15,000. The chief town is Bluefields (pop. 500). The Mosquito Coast was discovered in 1502 by Columbus, and, though never conquered, was claimed by Spain. During the 17th century it was the rendezvous of the Buccaneers (q.v.), and was subjected to Britain in 1655, who only abandoned it in 1850.