1939 Luis Martinez Vidaud City Plan or Map of Santiago de Cuba, Cuba

This is a rare 1939 Luis Martínez Vidaud city plan or map of Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. The map captures the city in the heady days after the 1933 Sergeants' Revolt, but before the Cuban Revolution of 1959.

A Closer Look

The map details the city as of 1939. Reparto are identified, along with parks, factories, and a cemetery. The bay is situated along the left border, with several docks illustrated.

Historical Context

In 1939, Santiago de Cuba was a vibrant and culturally rich city, serving as the second-largest city in Cuba and a significant port on the island’s southeastern coast. Known for its deep historical roots, Santiago de Cuba was a melting pot of Afro-Caribbean culture, music, and traditions, influencing the broader cultural landscape of Cuba. The city was bustling with activity, supported by its thriving sugar and rum industries, which were key components of the local economy. The political atmosphere in 1939 was marked by the lingering effects of the 1933 revolution and the rule of President Federico Laredo Brú, who was navigating Cuba through a period of political instability and economic challenges. Santiago de Cuba remained a hub of revolutionary spirit and resistance, reflecting its long-standing tradition of political activism, which would later play a crucial role in the Cuban Revolution of the 1950s.

Publication History and Census

This map was drawn and published by Luis Martínez Vidaud in 1939. We note two examples cataloged in OCLC, which are part of the collections at Pennsylvania State University and the Biblioteca Nacional de España.