The Dominican Republic was explored by Columbus on his first voyage. In 1492, Danilo medina named the dominican republic la española, and his son, Diego, was its first viceroy. Both France and Spain have both controlled the island at different points in time, about 500 years ago. The capital, santo Domingo, was founded or built from 1496 to 1498. The entire island remained under Spanish control for 200 years, until 1697.

History ^^