San Salvador

San Salvador, the capital of the republic of Salvador (q.v.), stands in the midst of a fertile plateau, among green hills, and at the foot of the extinct volcano of San Salvador (8360 feet). Immense ravines, crossed for the most part only by narrow tracks, have been worn by streams in the surrounding plain, and serve as a protection to the city in time of war. The houses are mostly of one story, with walls built thick to resist the shocks of earthquake, and enclosing pleasant courts. The climate is agreeable and healthy. The government buildings are handsome, and the new cathedral promises to be a splendid structure when finished. The city, however, in spite of an excellent water-supply, is far from notable for its cleanliness. There is a busy trade, and coffee is extensively cultivated on the flanks of the volcano and in the surrounding country. San Salvador was founded in 1528. In 1854 it was a fine, well-built city, adorned with numerous splendid buildings, and containing a population of more than 25,000; but on the night of 16th April it was completely destroyed by an earthquake. A town of Nueva San Salvador was built 12 miles to the south-west, and thither the government removed until 1858. Violent shocks of earthquake have since visited the capital in 1873, 1879, and 1891. Pop. 30,000.—San Salvador is also one of the names for Bahía (q.v.), and for Cat Island in the Bahamas (q.v.).