Toa Baja, Puerto Rico

Valleys of the Toa City

Toa Baja (TO-ah BAH-hah) is affectionately known as the “City of the Toa Valleys”, the “Underwater City”, and the “People of the Plains”. Its patron saint is San Pedro Apóstol.

Located on the northern coast of Puerto Rico, Toa Baja is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north, Dorado to the west, Toa Alta to the south, and Cataño and Bayamón to the east. The municipality covers an area of 62.4 square kilometers (24.0 square miles) and is characterized by fertile plains, wooded hills typical of the karst region, and a rich network of rivers and streams. The La Plata (Toa) River, the longest river in Puerto Rico, runs through the municipality, along with the Cocal Canal and other minor streams, which historically supported agriculture and fishing.

One of the most notable historical sites in Toa Baja is Isla de Cabras (Goat Island), where a leprosarium (for patients of Hansen’s Disease) was constructed at the end of the 19th century. Governor Segundo de la Portilla laid the first stone on December 17, 1876, and the facility was completed in 1883. The ruins remain a testament to the island's historical role in public health.

Historically, Toa Baja’s economy relied on agriculture, including sugarcane, fruits, and dairy farming, and later diversified into manufacturing, producing metal, plastics, concrete, textiles, electronics, and rum. In recent decades, local agriculture has declined, though initiatives in sustainable farming and agroecology are emerging to support local food production.

As of the 2020 Census, Toa Baja had a population of approximately 75,293, with residents known as Toabajeños. The municipality has a rich cultural life, hosting annual festivals such as the Artisans Festival (March), Patron Saint Festival (June), Beach Festival (July), Musical Bands Festival (August), and Christmas Festival (December). These events celebrate the municipality's heritage, music, dance, and cuisine.

Foundation

The foundation of Toa Baja is traditionally dated to 1747, although some historians suggest it may have occurred shortly thereafter. Twenty years later, the settlement was still classified as a small village, known as the Shore of Toa Baja. Along the banks of the Toa River (today the De La Plata River), Juan Ponce de León established the King’s Farm at a site called Santa Elena, which had previously been the yucayeque (village) of Taíno chief Aramaná. The indigenous inhabitants were used for manual labor in the early agricultural operations.

It is believed that Toa Baja was the site of the island’s first experimental agricultural station, where European vegetables were introduced and local crops were improved, marking an important step in the development of Puerto Rico’s colonial agriculture.

The term “Toa” means mother, which is also the indigenous name for the De La Plata River, originating in the mountains of the Cayey region and flowing north to the Atlantic Ocean.

During the 16th century, the fertile lands of Toa Baja attracted numerous settlers due to the richness of its alluvial soils and the production of pre-Columbian fishing corrals in the river. The first European settlers were families from the Canary Islands, including the surnames Marrero, Salgado, and Martínez.

In 1749, a new church dedicated to Our Lady of the Conception and the saints Pedro, Pablo, and Matías was constructed on a hill in front of the town. Shortly afterward, it was relocated to a higher site facing the river, with its back toward Toa Baja, to better protect it from flooding.

In 1902, the Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico approved the Law for the Consolidation of Certain Municipal Terms, which temporarily dissolved Toa Baja as a municipality, incorporating its wards and civil employees into Bayamón. This decision was reversed in 1905, restoring Toa Baja’s status as an independent municipality with its original wards.

San Juan de la Cruz Fort (Isla de Cabras)

San Juan de la Cruz Fort, located on Isla de Cabras off the northern coast of Toa Baja, was a critical defensive structure during the Spanish colonial period. Built in the late 16th and 17th centuries, the fort was strategically positioned to protect the entrance to San Juan Bay from naval attacks.

In addition to its military significance, Isla de Cabras later became the site of a leprosarium for patients with Hansen’s Disease (leprosy), with construction beginning on December 17, 1876, under Governor Segundo de la Portilla, and completed in 1883. The fort and leprosarium remain important historical landmarks, reflecting both the island’s military and public health history.

Location

Located in the northern coast, it borders with Dorado and the Atlantic Ocean to the north, south with Toa Alta, west with Dorado and Cataño and east with Bayamón.

Area

62.4 sq km / 24.0 sq mi

Population

75,293 (2020 Census)

Population Density

1,207.5 per km² (3,129.1 per mi²)

Demonym

Toabajeños

Toa Baja is also known as:

Ciudad de los Valles del Toa (Valleys of the Toa City)
Ciudad Bajo Aguas (Under Water City)
Los Llaneros (The Valley People)

Toa Baja is situated in the northern coastal plain of Puerto Rico, characterized by fertile alluvial soils and a mix of flatlands and karst hills. The municipality's rivers, including the De La Plata, Cocal, and Hondo, have historically influenced settlement patterns and agricultural development.

The town's central area, known as Toa Baja Pueblo, serves as the administrative and cultural heart of the municipality. Nearby, the planned community of Levittown is one of Puerto Rico's largest suburban developments, with a population of 25,591 as of the 2020 Census

Wards: Toa Baja, Puerto Rico

Toa Baja is composed of six main barrios (wards), each with its own population and unique characteristics:

Census 2020: Population by Wards - Toa Baja	Population (2020 Census)
Candelaria	23,343
Media Luna	9,499
Palo Seco	325
Sabana Seca	45,047
Toa Baja Town	488
Levittown	25,591
Total	104,293

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau 2020; Census Reporter; Wikipedia (Levittown, Toa Baja).

Barrio Descriptions

• Candelaria is one of the largest barrios, with a mix of residential neighborhoods and commercial areas.
• Media Luna is primarily residential, known for its close-knit communities and cultural events.
• Palo Seco is the smallest barrio, historically sparsely populated, maintaining a rural character.
• Sabana Seca is the most populous barrio, featuring dense residential zones and a hub for local commerce.
• Toa Baja Pueblo serves as the central urban area, hosting municipal offices, cultural institutions, and essential services.
• Levittown is a large planned suburban community, one of Puerto Rico’s biggest, with schools, commercial centers, and recreational areas.

Compared to the 2000 Census, when Toa Baja had 94,085 inhabitants, the 2020 Census shows growth to 104,293. Most of this increase occurred in Levittown and Sabana Seca, reflecting suburban development and urban expansion.

Each barrio contributes uniquely to the municipality’s culture, economy, and identity, collectively shaping Toa Baja into a vibrant and historically rich community.

Geography & Topography

Toa Baja is situated in the Northern Coastal Plains and the karst region of Puerto Rico. The landscape features rolling hills, limestone formations, and fertile valleys typical of the island's karst topography, which influences local agriculture and water drainage patterns. Elevations range from 200 to 490 feet (60 to 150 meters) above sea level, with the highest areas located in the southern part of the municipality. The northern region is characterized by mangroves and marshes, while the southern part is classified as typical karst terrain.

Hydrography

The municipality is traversed by several significant waterways:

• Río de la Plata: A major river that flows through the region, providing water resources for agriculture and local communities.
• Río Cocal: Another important river contributing to the area's hydrology.
• Río Hondo: Adds to the complex river system in Toa Baja.
• San Pedro Swamp (Sabana Seca): A notable wetland area that supports diverse ecosystems and plays a role in local water management.

These water bodies are vital for the local economy, particularly in agriculture and fishing.

Economy

Toa Baja's economy is diverse, with key sectors including:

• Manufacturing: The municipality hosts industries producing metal, plastic, concrete, textiles, electrical and electronic machinery, and rum.
• Agriculture: The fertile lands support the cultivation of sugar cane, various fruits, and dairy cattle farming.
• Tourism: Attractions like beaches and historical sites contribute to the local economy.

Despite these sectors, Toa Baja faces economic challenges, including a high poverty rate of approximately 50.83% and a median household income of $22,436.

Infrastructure & Transportation

• Highways: PR-165, PR-167, PR-22 connect Toa Baja with San Juan and surrounding municipalities
• Public Transportation: Buses, taxis, ride-share services
• Maritime Access: Historical access via Atlantic coast for trade and fishing

Education

• Public Schools: Elementary, middle, and high schools across barrios
• Private & Charter Schools: Alternative education options
• Nearby Universities: University of Puerto Rico (Bayamón campus), technical institutes

Health & Public Services

• Hospitals & Clinics: Available in Sabana Seca and Levittown
• Emergency Services: Fire, police, civil defense units
• Public Health Programs: Community initiatives and historical leprosarium on Isla de Cabras

Cultural & Sports Activities

• Sports: Baseball, basketball, recreational leagues
• Cultural Centers: Community music, dance, and art programs
• Libraries & Museums: Municipal library and local historical exhibits

Flag

The flag of Toa Baja was designed in 1980, featuring green and gold colors with crossed keys in gold and silver. The green stripe symbolizes the plains of the Toa, while the gold represents the sun that bathes these plains. The crossed keys honor San Pedro Apostle, the town's patron saint, and are depicted in the greater altar of the Parochial Church of Toa Baja.

Coat of Arms

The coat of arms of Toa Baja includes several symbolic elements:

• Wavy Stripe: Represents the Toa River, one of the first mentioned in Puerto Rico's history.
• Crossed Keys: Symbolize San Pedro Apostle, the town's patron saint.
• Letters F and J: Represent King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Juana I of Castile.
• Handfuls of Yucca: Refer to the indigenous crop and the staple food, casabe.
• Crown: Denotes the traditional municipal standard.
• Sugar Cane Stems: Allude to the cultivation and industry that were the main sources of wealth in Toa Baja.

Events

Toa Baja hosts several annual events that celebrate its culture and traditions:

• Artisans Festival – March
• Patron Saint Festival – June
• Beach Festival – July
• Musical Bands Festival – August
• Christmas Festival – December

These festivals feature parades, games, artisans, amusement rides, regional food, and live entertainment. They play a significant role in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Toa Baja.

Places To Visit

Toa Baja offers various attractions for visitors:

• Cañuelo Fortress: A historic fort located on Isla de Cabras.
• Central Constancia: A former sugar mill with historical significance.
• Isla de Cabras - Goat Island: A small island with beaches and historical sites.
• Hacienda Santa Elena: Ruins of a historic estate
• Hermana Island: A small island near the coast.
• Punta Salinas Public Beach: A popular beach destination.
• San Pedro Apostle Church: A historic church in the town center.
• Palo Seco Thermoelectrical Power Station: An industrial site with historical relevance.
• Nuestra Señora del Carmen Church: A church known for its architectural beauty.

These sites reflect the rich history and natural beauty of Toa Baja, making it a unique destination for tourists.

Distinguished Citizens:

Toa Baja has been home to several notable individuals:

• Virgilio Dávila: A renowned Puerto Rican poet.
• Ernesto Juan Fonfrías: A lawyer, novelist, poet, and essayist.
• Manuel Padilla Dávila: A farmer and poet.
• Teresina Delgado: A poet, orator, and musical composer.
• Luis M. Santiago: A teacher and author of the hymn of Toa Baja.
• Pablo Pantoja Robles: A U.S. armed forces veteran and municipal assembly member.
• Dra. Carmen A. Pantoja: Puerto Rico's first woman astronomer; associate professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Puerto Rico.

These individuals have contributed significantly to the cultural, scientific, and civic life of Toa Baja and Puerto Rico.

Recent Trends

In recent years, Toa Baja has experienced several developments that reflect its evolving character and community initiatives:

• Urban & Suburban Growth: Expansion in Levittown and Sabana Seca continues to drive population growth and new residential developments.
• Infrastructure Improvements: Flood control, stormwater management, and coastal resilience projects have been prioritized.
• Sustainable Agriculture: Agroecology and CSA programs promote local food production.
• Tourism & Heritage Promotion: Historical sites are increasingly featured in cultural tourism.
• Renewable Energy: Solar projects and energy-efficient municipal initiatives support sustainability
• Cultural & Community Programs: Festivals, music, dance, and arts programs foster civic pride.
• Education & Science: Local schools and nearby universities support STEM and cultural programs.
• Environmental Initiatives: Conservation of mangroves, wetlands, and rivers strengthens natural defenses and biodiversity.

These trends highlight Toa Baja’s transformation into a resilient, culturally rich, and environmentally conscious municipality, blending history, modern development, and community engagement.

Name	Level	Telephone	Address
ALTINENCIA VALLE	Elementary	(787) 794-1460	PO Box 731
AMALIA LÓPEZ DE VILA	Elementary	(787) 784-2035	PO Box 50449
ANTONIA SÁEZ IRIZARRY	Elementary	(787) 780-5975	PO Box 2400 Suite 361
CARMEN BARROSO MORALES	Elementary	(787) 795-8885	PO Box 52032
DELIA DÁVILA DE CABÁN	Elementary	(787) 261-1340	5ta Calle Lago Las Curias
DR. EFRAÍN SÁNCHEZ HIDALGO	Elementary	(787) 784-5570	PO Box 2477
ERNESTINA BRACERO	Elementary	(787) 784-5540	PO Box 233
ERNESTO JUAN FONFRÍAS	Elementary	(787) 780-1750	Carr. # 2, km 17.7
JOHN F. KENNEDY	Elementary	(787) 784-0370	PO Box 2477
JOSÉ NEVAREZ LÓPEZ	Elementary	(787) 870-5246	PO Box 2345
JOSÉ ROBLES OTERO	Elementary	(787) 794-3470	PO Box 2477
LORENCITA RAMÍREZ DE ARELLÁN	Elementary	(787) 784-4925	PO Box 52015
LUIS M. SANTIAGO	Elementary	(787) 794-1445	PO Box 2322
MARÍA J. CORREDOR RIVERA	Elementary	(787) 740-2225	PO Box 2477
BASILIO MILÁN HERNÁNDEZ	Intermediate	(787) 795-6570	PO Box 51515
JOSÉ NEVAREZ LANDRÓN	Intermediate	(787) 794-1465	PO Box 1321
MARÍA LIBERTAD GÓMEZ	Intermediate	(787) 784-0125	PO Box 2477
MARTÍN GARCÍA GIUSTI	Intermediate	(787) 251-2231	PO Box 2477
FRANCISCA DÁVILA SEMPRIT	Second Unit	(787) 784-3455	PO Box 2477
ADOLFINA IRIZARRY	High School	(787) 794-2018	PO Box 2477
DR. PEDRO ALBIZU CAMPOS	High School	(787) 784-4605	PO Box 51901
MARÍA TERESA PIÑEIRO	High School	(787) 784-4140	PO Box 495

Hymn:

By Luis M. Santiago