Belen’s place in history is set as the site where Columbus and his men originally settled as they reached the mainland of Panama in 1503 – on their fourth voyage in exploration of the New World. After two years of traveling up and down the coast without finding a passage to the Pacific Ocean, Columbus returned to the Belen area (where he had previously traded trinkets for gold) in search of gold mines. He learned from the Indians that the gold mines were located in the jungles, up the Rio Belen. Columbus established a garrison at the mouth of the Rio Belen, and moved his ships into the river.
A lasting monument of Columbus’ time in Belen is the First Church of the Americas that he established. The church remains today after more than 500 years.Quibian, the local Indian cacique (chief), had at first seemed friendly, but when it appeared the Spanish were not leaving, he prepared to attack the settlement. When he discovered an attack was imminent, Columbus and most of his men moved three of his ships out of the river and into the sea. One of the ships, the Gallego, floundered on a sandbar and was abandoned. Quibian’s warriors attacked the settlement, and murdered a small expedition of Spanish who had gone ashore. The few survivors escaped to the ships on a raft, and Columbus left the Rio Belen.Less than five months after arriving, Columbus and his men left Belen to settle in La Guardia. A statue-monument of Quibian who is credited with leading the defensive attack on Columbus and his men.
