Granada
[key], city, W Nicaragua, on Lake Nicaragua. It is Nicaragua's third
largest city and the center of commerce on Lake Nicaragua. Located in a rich
agricultural region, Granada has been the stronghold of Nicaragua's landed
aristocracy; manufactures include furniture, soap, and clothing. Granada was
founded in 1524 by Francisco Fernández de Córdoba. In
the 17th cent., it was the object of repeated raids by French and English
pirates. After independence from Spain (1821), Granada became the
conservative center, engaging in bloody rivalry with León, the city of the liberals.
The struggle led to the capital's transfer to Managua (1855). Granada was captured
(1855) by the filibuster William Walker.
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