The area of the present-day municipality of La Jagua del
Pilar was populated by indigenous peoples pertaining to the Wayuu and Wiwas
ethnic groups. During the period of Independence from Spain the area was a farm
owned by María de la Concepción Loperena Ustariz, from Valledupar, one of the
few women who supported the independence movement of Simon Bolivar. Loperena
donated more than a hundred horses to the Patriot army. She also donated her
state to build a new settlement which was named "La Jagua del Pedregal". The new settlement was established
