Historical Overview

Cabo Rojo was founded on December 17, 1771, when Don Nicolás Ramírez de Arellano led local settlers in a petition for independence from San Germán to establish their own civil and religious administration. The town's name, 'Red Cape,' refers to the reddish tint of the earth at the southwestern peninsula and its salt flats (Las Salinas), which rank among the oldest industries in the New World, having been exploited since the Taíno era. Cabo Rojo is famous as the birthplace of two of Puerto Rico's most iconic historical figures: Dr. Ramón Emeterio Betances, known as the 'Father of the Homeland' and the leader of the Grito de Lares uprising of 1868, and Roberto Cofresí, a privateer celebrated as a local folk hero for his charity toward the poor. The municipal coat of arms, adopted in 1971, reflects this revolutionary heritage through the colors of the flag Betances designed for Puerto Rican independence. The economy of Cabo Rojo has historically centered on the salt industry, fishing, and agriculture. Today the municipality is also known for the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge and the iconic Los Morrillos lighthouse, which stands near the southernmost tip of the island.

Coat of Arms

The coat of arms was officially adopted in 1971. It features a red cape jutting into the sea, a literal representation of the town's name. The colors blue, red, and white represent the flag designed by Betances for the Puerto Rican revolution. A sword and scales symbolize Saint Michael the Archangel, the patron saint. Salt mountains in the design signify the ancient salt industry of Boquerón. The shield is topped by a three-towered mural crown denoting autonomous municipal status.

Barrios

Genealogical records often identify individuals by barrio. Cabo Rojo has 8 barrios:

Bajura
Boquerón
Cabo Rojo Pueblo
Llanos Costa
Llanos Tuna
Miraflores
Monte Grande
Pedernales

Neighboring Municipalities

Also check records in neighboring municipalities:

Mayagüez — Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria
Hormigueros — Nuestra Señora de la Monserrate
San Germán — San Germán de Auxerre
Lajas — Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria

Historical Maps

Historical maps help identify barrios, boundaries, and communities as they existed in the past. Maps from the 18th and 19th centuries are preferred.

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Historical map coming soon

Genealogy Toolkit

Civil Records

Began in 1885

Covers births, marriages, and deaths.

⬇ Search Civil Records

Parish Records

Parish: San Miguel Arcángel

Records from 1771

⬇ Search Catholic Records

Digital Archives

FamilySearch: Cabo Rojo Civil and parish records
Notas para su Historia: Cabo Rojo (OECH) Government History (PDF) Official government-curated PDF documenting Cabo Rojo's founding, geographic history, and cultural heritage, published by the Office of Historic Preservation of Puerto Rico.
Civil Registry (1885–1991) — FamilySearch Civil Records Digitized birth, marriage, and death records for Cabo Rojo from the civil registration period.
Parish Registers — San Miguel Arcángel — FamilySearch Church Records Catholic Church baptisms and marriages for the parish of San Miguel Arcángel in Cabo Rojo.
Colecciones Digitales — ADNPR Digital Archive High-quality maps and colonial documents covering Cabo Rojo and the southwestern region of Puerto Rico.
FamilySearch: Puerto Rico Genealogy Complete records guide