La Altagracia is the easternmost province of the Dominican Republic. Punta Cana is located on the eastern shores of this province. The province was part of the old La Altagracia Province, which split into 2, La Altagracia Province and La Romana Province on February 27, 1961. The name "La Altagracia" commemorates a painting, Our Lady of La Altagracia, which was brought to this area from Spain in the early 16th century.