The area was first settled by Zenú Indians, who lived in the banks of the
Sinú River (Finzenú), San Jorge River (Panzenú) and Nechí River (Zenúfana),
where the Department of Córdoba is located today. In 2003, dentist and
historian Jaime Castro released Historia Extensa de Montería, a book on
the history of the city. According to Castro's book, Montería was founded on
May 1, 1777 by Spanish officer Antonio de la Torre y Miranda, being governor of
the Province of Cartagena officer Juan de Torrezar Díaz Pimienta. The city,
which had been named Montería by its inhabitants and located on the east side
