Garzón (Colombia)

For other uses, see Garzón.
This article is about the town in Colombia. For the Spanish judge, see Baltasar Garzón.
Garzón (Colombia)
Municipality and town

Location of the municipality and town of Garzón (Colombia) in the Huila Department of Colombia.
Country  Colombia
Department Huila Department
Area
  Municipality and town 580 km2 (220 sq mi)
  Urban 200 km2 (80 sq mi)
Elevation 828 m (2,717 ft)
Population
  Municipality and town 80,000 (year 2,010)
Time zone Colombia Standard Time (UTC-5)
Website http://garzon-huila.gov.co

Garzon (Spanish pronunciation: [ɡarˈson]) is a town and municipality in the Huila Department, Colombia.

Garzon is a municipality located in the center of the Colombian department of Huila, about 450 kilometers south of Bogotá and 114 miles south of the provincial capital, Neiva. Known as the Diocesan Capital of Huila, it is the first Catholic diocese in the region. Proud of its religious architecture and culture, Garzón is also called "the Soul of Huila."

History

The town's first beginnings were c. 1775 on lands donated by Don Vicente Manrique de Lara. In 1783, the hamlet known as "Garzoncito" was officially founded. On January 1, 1788, it was granted the status of municipality and in 1810 received the title of Villa. On May 19, 1825, the town was decreed head of the Canton of Timaná; it later became the capital of the southern province of Tolima.

Economy

The municipality is mainly agricultural, based on the cultivation of coffee, cacao, fruit, and livestock. Fish farming is an important part of its economy. Garzón market products are sold in Neiva and Bogota.

Weather

The town of Garzón is known for its mild climate, with a winter season (rainy season) in the months of March, April and May, and summer season in other months of the year (November, December and January) when temperatures as high as 30 °C. are reached.

Garzón is watered by the Magdalena and Suaza rivers and other minor rivers, including Agua Caliente, Caguancito, Cara de Perro, Damas, Garzoncito, Pescado and Río Loro.

Coordinates: 2°10′55″N 75°39′28″W / 2.18194°N 75.65778°W / 2.18194; -75.65778

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