it was founded in 1505 by rodrigo de trillo for order of nicolas de ovando, who was the governor of hispaniola. cotuí was the name of a taíno community who governed the area. the city is well known for its gold, silver, iron, bauxite, marble and nickel mines, its rich soils and the largest artificial lake in the caribbean, presa de hatillo. it is also known for its crystal clear rivers, and its caverns (prehistoric caves called guácaras). it produces rice, plantains, cacao, pineapples, passion fruits, and yams. cotui is also the hometown of mets pitcher duaner sánchez and milwaukee brewers pitcher josé capellán.