In 1900, Mindanao, the second-largest island in the Philippines, was a region with diverse ethnic groups and relatively sparse colonial influence compared to Luzon. The island was home to various indigenous communities, Muslim sultanates, and small settlements. Below is a list of notable locations in Mindanao during that time:
1. Zamboanga
2. Davao
A small town under Spanish influence, Davao was beginning to develop due to its agricultural potential, particularly in abaca (Manila hemp) production.
3.Cagayan de Misamis (now Cagayan de Oro)
A growing settlement in northern Mindanao, it served as a center for Spanish missionary activities and trade.
4. Surigao
Located in the northeastern part of Mindanao, Surigao was a small port town with strategic importance for maritime trade.
5. Cotabato
A significant center of the Maguindanao Sultanate, Cotabato was a hub of Muslim culture and politics in Mindanao.
6. Jolo
The capital of the Sulu Sultanate, Jolo was a major center of trade and Islamic culture in the Sulu Archipelago.
7. Butuan
An ancient settlement with a rich history, Butuan was a center of trade and agriculture in northern Mindanao.
8. Iligan
A small town known for its waterfalls and agricultural activities, Iligan was under Spanish influence but retained strong indigenous traditions.
9. Misamis (now Ozamiz)
A Spanish settlement in northern Mindanao, Misamis was a center for missionary work and trade.
10. Dapitan
Known as the place of exile for Philippine national hero José Rizal, Dapitan was a small but historically significant town.
11. Lake Lanao
The area around Lake Lanao was home to the Maranao people and was a center of Muslim culture and resistance against Spanish colonization.
12. Tawi-Tawi
Part of the Sulu Archipelago, Tawi-Tawi was a remote area with strong ties to the Sulu Sultanate.
13. Bukidnon
A highland region inhabited by indigenous groups such as the Bukidnon and Manobo people, it was largely untouched by Spanish colonization.
14. Agusan
A riverine settlement in northeastern Mindanao, Agusan was a center for trade and agriculture.
15. Samal Island
A small island near Davao, Samal was inhabited by indigenous communities and was known for its natural beauty.
16. Basilan
An island province near Zamboanga, Basilan was a center of Muslim culture and resistance against Spanish rule.
17. Lanao
A region surrounding Lake Lanao, it was a stronghold of the Maranao people and their sultanates.
18. Sultan Kudarat
Named after the Maguindanao Sultan Kudarat, this area was a center of Muslim resistance against Spanish colonization.
19. Tandag
A small settlement in the northeastern part of Mindanao, Tandag was under Spanish influence but retained indigenous traditions.
20. Maguindanao
The heartland of the Maguindanao Sultanate, this region was a center of Muslim power and culture in Mindanao.
These locations reflect the diverse cultural, political, and economic landscape of Mindanao in 1900, a time when Spanish colonial influence was waning, and indigenous and Muslim communities maintained significant autonomy.
