San Nicolas is located on the island's easternmost end, some 12 miles away from Oranjestad. Its total surface is 33,6 square kilometers. It was founded in the late 19th century during the exploitation of its abundant phosphate mines in Cerro Colorado. It's one of Aruba's most populated cities (17,821 inhabitants according to the 1996 census) and runner-up in importance. It was named after Sir Nicolas Croes v/d Biest (1808-1873), father-in-law of Jan Hendrick Gottfried Eman "Shon Jan" (1835-1897). In the mid 20th century, Standard Oil Co. decided to build the world's largest oil refinery at the time to process the crude drilled out of Venezuela's Maracaibo Lake. The city is blessed with different sightseeing spots and it provides access to highly valuable archeological sites scattered across the island. The beauty of the surrounding nature nestles an assortment of flora and wildlife species.
