Leon, Nicaragua, Central America

Sister City since 1990
National Flag of Nicaragua
National Flag of Nicaragua

Leon, Nicaragua and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania became Sister Cities in 1990. Spanish settlers under Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba first settled Leon in 1524. The original town was abandoned in 1610 following a catastrophic eruption of a nearby volcano and moved to its present location in northwestern Nicaragua. It served as this Central American nation's capital until 1852. Today Leon is Nicaragua's second largest city. It has a population of approximately 180,000 people.

The relationship between Leon and Gettysburg grew from a Gettysburg College and community supported initiative in the mid 1980's to promote a better understanding between our peoples despite differences between the U.S. government and the Sandanista leaders during that era.

There are numerous exchanges of people including students each year, many traveling to Leon to learn more about life in this Third World country.


Click Here to learn more about Leon, Nicaragua.