Following the establishment of Santo Domingo on the southern coast of Hispaniola, Christopher Columbus embarked on his journey back to Spain, leaving behind his brother, Bartholomew Columbus, to take the reins of the settlement. Founded in 1496, Santo Domingo served as a strategic point for Spanish expeditions, settlement, and trade in the Caribbean. The city was one of the first permanent European colonies in the Americas and played a crucial role in Spain's colonial ambitions. Bartholomew, an experienced navigator and administrator, was tasked with managing this fledgling colony, which faced numerous challenges, including relations with the indigenous Taíno people and the logistics of establishing a stable settlement in a new land.

Christopher Columbus's decision to return to Spain was influenced by the need to secure additional support and resources from the Spanish Crown for his ongoing exploration and colonization efforts. During his absence, Bartholomew would oversee the colony's affairs and help lay down the framework for its governance. This leadership role was essential, particularly given the tensions and complexities inherent in colonial administration, including the management of supplies, labor, and diplomacy with the native populations.

Santo Domingo grew to be not only a hub for further exploration but also a significant trading post. The processes initiated during Bartholomew Columbus's governance would set precedents in Spanish colonial administration and interactions with indigenous communities in the Caribbean. Bartholomew's leadership laid the groundwork for subsequent settlement expansions and the implementation of colonial policies that would shape the region for years to come.