soon after the city was founded, a theater, a chamber of commerce, meeting clubs, public libraries and dance halls were erected as well. positioned nearly in the center of the country, the city became a popular travelers's stop and a great communication link, both east-west and north-south. these conditions supported its steady growth. by the 19th century, santa clara was bigger and more populated than the rest of the towns around, including what was once remedios. as a necessary stop between havana and the east of the country, the city gained the title of capital of las villas province.