Costa Rica

Christopher Columbus

Jan 1, 1502

Christopher Columbus visited then named Costa Rica.

Colonization

Sep 18, 1522

Spanish colonization begins in Costa Rica.

Coffee

Jan 1, 1808

Coffee was introduced and became one of Costa Rica's most successful agricultural product along with bananas.

Mexico or Central American states?

Jan 1, 1821

Central America gained independence from Spain. Dispute over Costa Rica joining independent Mexico or confederation of Central American states started.

Independence

Sep 15, 1821

Costa Rica declares independence on September 15, 1821.

Central America

Jan 1, 1823

Costa Rica made the decision to join Central America along with El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua

Bananas

Jan 1, 1874

The cultivation of bananas began. Became the number one crop.

Civil War

Jan 1, 1948

2,000 people were killed in six weeks over a disputed presidential election.

Irazu Volcano

Jan 1, 1963

The Irazu volcano erupted. Almost every crop was damaged, 40 people were killed, and over 400 homes were gone.

First Female President

Jan 1, 2010

Laura Chinchilla is elected to be the first female president of Costa Rica.