Between 1852 and 1930 , Managua underwent extensive urbanization , becoming a base of governance , infrastructure and services . The city was hampered by major floods in 1876 and 1885 . A disastrous earthquake in 1931 and large fire in 1936 destroyed much of the city . Under the rule of Anastasio Somoza García and his family ( 1936 – 1979 ) , the city was rebuilt and began to grow rapidly . New government buildings were erected , industry developed , and universities were established . The city 's development caught the attention of Irving Fields and Albert Gamse , who composed a musical piece about the city that became popular in the 1940s through the performances of Freddy Martin , Guy Lombardo and Kay Kyser . Managua had become Central America 's most developed city . Today 's references differentiate the pre-1970s Managua by labeling it as '' La Antigua Ciudad , '' which in English translates to " The Ancient City " or " The Old City "
disastrous earthquake in 1931
1931 Nicaragua earthquake
Managua