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From Columbus to Commonwealth
Knowing Puerto Rico’s past is integral to understanding the cultural, political, and social dynamic of the island today. It is a story of three peoples: the native Indians who called it home, the Spanish invaders (who brought the African slaves), and the Americans.
The History of Puerto Rico: When the Jibaros Came to Town
During the 1800s, Puerto Rico began to prosper, thanks to a decline in military buildup and a focus on agricultural growth. This was the time of the Jíbaros, or laborers from the countryside. It was also the dawn of a new era, when Puerto Ricans would rise up and demand independence from Spain.
Guardian of the Seas
From its earliest history as a Spanish colony, Puerto Rico's history has been tied to its military prowess. As a principal guardian of Spanish interests in the New World, the island established its identity in the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries.
From Columbus to Ponce de Leon
A brief history of Puerto Rico's discovery by Columbus and founding as a colony by Juan Ponce de Leon.
The History of Puerto Rico: U.S. Rule in the 1900s
Following the Spanish-American War of 1898, Puerto Rico entered a new phase of its history: from living under colonial rule, it now faced the prospect of being a U.S. territory. And that presented both opportunities and challenges for the island that had increasingly pushed for independence.
The History of Puerto Rico
From the sugar boom to the birth of tourism, the history of modern Puerto Rico is one of transformation and the (sometimes rocky) evolution of the island's relationship with the U.S.