Point Fortin, the smallest Borough in Trinidad and Tobago,(also the first Republic Borough of Trinidad and Tobago) is located in southwestern Trinidad, about 32 km (20 mi) southwest of San Fernando. After the discovery of petroleum in the area in 1906 the town grew into a major oil-producing centre. The town grew with the oil industry between the 1940s and 1980s, culminating in its elevation to borough status in 1980.