Long before the Dominican Republic was the tourist destination it is today it was home to Taino Indians that lived here quite peaceable. In 1492, Columbus discovered the islands and named the island Hispaniola. From the Dominican Republic history, the story is that as Columbus and his fleet of ships were leaving, one ship, the flagship went aground due to crewmembers falling asleep. The crew stayed behind on the island while the rest went back home to Spain. Columbus noted not only the gold that was found in the rivers but how the Indians lived in peace and never quarreled among themselves.

However, this peaceful culture was soon to be destroyed. The crew that stayed behind created a settlement, Navidad. Unlike the peaceful Indians, they fought among one another even resulting in the death of many of their members. The Spaniards began to take women from the peaceful Indians and forced them into slavery. The chief of the Taino, Caonabo, could not stand what was happening and attacked the settlement. By the time, Columbus returned in a few months, all of the crew had been killed.

Isabella is considered the first colony close by today's Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic history. From here, the Spaniards could export the gold found in the rivers back to Spain. Before long, the Taino population was diminishing due to illness and before long all living Indians were working for the settlers panning gold. By 1543, the majority of the true population of the Dominican Republic barely existed. By this time, the history of the Dominican Republic shows that the original habitants were mixed with Spanish and African roots. This does not mean that the Indians gave up; there were a few left that still fought for their homeland. A wonderful historical sight built during 1510 and 1514 is the home of Christopher Columbus's son, Alcazar de Colon.

History of the Dominican Republic is one that has seen many settlers and those wishing to control the island for one reason or another. Pirates, the French, and Spain once again the dot the history of the Dominican Republic with the French giving portions of the island back to Spain in 1809. In 1882, the Haitian's took over the island to rid the island of slavery. By, 1844, Spain once again controlled 2/3 of Hispaniola.

Many rulers and governments have been seen in control throughout Dominican Republic history. Due to this fact, the Dominican Republic culture is one that is diverse but still holds much from the Spaniards that first settled the area. America even had a stab at controlling the island in 1916, bringing marines to the island. During the 8 years that America was in full control of the island, the Dominican Republic culture and history changed due to the fact that American investors were allowed access to the island.

America relinquished control and by 1930, the Dominican Republic had a dictator in control. The Dominican Republic history has not been a pleasant one, however, the friendly people of the Dominican Republic have turned the area into a wonderful tourist destination with much to offer just like when Christopher Columbus discovered the magnificent tropical beauty that is found in the Dominican Republic.