The town was founded in the mid-18th century, in 1765. During the last third of the 19th century, the
Ten Years' War, the
Little War, and the
War of Independence took place here. Being located in the eastern part of the country and very close to the
Sierra Maestra, Guisa was the site of numerous military operations during this period. The most notable of these was the
Capture of Guisa (1897) by the forces of Cuban Lieutenant General
Calixto García. Additionally, during the
Cuban Revolution (1956-1959), the decisive rebel victory occurred in the
Battle of Guisa (1958). == Economy ==