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Sep 18, 1502
1502
On September 18, Christopher Columbus becomes the first European to reach Costa Rica. Spanish colonization begins -
1821
Costa Rica gains its independence from Spain and joins the Mexican Empire. -
1823
The Mexican Empire dissolves; Costa Rica joins El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua as the United Provinces of Central America. -
1838
Costa Rica becomes a fully independent country. The first president was Juan Mora Fernandez -
1849- 1859
Juan Rafael Mora leads the fight against William Walker, an American who tries to take control of the region. -
1949
A new constitution is adopted after a bloody 44-day civil war. -
1963
The Absoluta Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve is created. It is the first of many protected areas in the country. -
1968
Arenal Volcano erupts. -
1987
President Oscar Arias Sánchez wins the Nobel Peace Prize. He helped end civil wars in El Salvador and Nicaragua. -
2010
Laura Chinchilla becomes Costa Rica’s first woman President.