In 1872 Manuel Hernandez built a small shack under the Ceiba tree that
was at one point by the old docks. Over time, more and more people from all
over present-day Honduras (especially the departments of Olancho and Santa
Barbara), and from around the world settled in La Ceiba. These people were
attracted by the cultivation of bananas that became popular in the region. In
the late 19th century, the banana business