San Fernando de Apure

San Fernando de Apure (.mw-parser-output .IPA-label-small{font-size:85%}.mw-parser-output .references .IPA-label-small,.mw-parser-output .infobox .IPA-label-small,.mw-parser-output .navbox .IPA-label-small{font-size:100%}Spanish pronunciation: [saɱ feɾˈnando ðe aˈpuɾe]) is a city in Apure State in Venezuela. The population of the municipality area is 165,135 (2011 census). The 18th century exports included heron feathers (for pens) and animal hides. The “Maria Nieves” bridge across the Apure River at San Fernando commenced construction in 1959 under the direction of President Rómulo Betancourt, and was opened February 1, 1961. It cost 8.5 million bolivars. Notable is the Casa de Bolivar, a National Historical Monument, at the intersection of Comercio St. and Independencia St. It is the 18th Century Armory, and was the dwelling of General Miguel Gerrero. Now it contains a public library as well as the cultural offices of the municipality. It was restored in 1983. San Fernando was founded on February 28, 1788 by order of the Captain of Infantry of the Royal Armies Fernando Miyares y González, military commander, politician and governor of the then newly formed Province of Barinas (1786), and executed by Lieutenant Major Juan Antonio Rodríguez and Fray Buenaventura de Benaocaz, under the denomination of "Villa de San Fernando del Paso Real de Apure".