Established in 1772, Cabo Rojo reached the peak of its prosperity during the 19th century, when immigrants from around the Mediterranean, escaping from revolutions in their own countries, arrived to establish sugarcane plantations.
Today, nearly 10,000 residents make Cabo Rojo their home, grazing cattle on land once occupide by sugarcane plantations. A popular spot for visitors is the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse, overlooking the vast Caribbean Sea. Nearly half of all the fish consumed in Puerto Rico are harvested in the waters near Cabo Rojo, providing a strong base for the local economy.
Cabo Rojo is part of the Mayaguez, Puerto Rico metro area.