Reuben R Costa Rica Timeline

By Reuben Roberts
  • Sep 18, 1502

    September 18, 1502

    September 18, 1502
    Christopher Columbus arrives at Costa Rica and becomes the first European to arrive there.

  • Independence

    Independence
    Costa Rice gains their independence and joins the Mexican empire.

  • Empire collapses

    Empire collapses
    Costa Rica is forced to leave the Mexican empire because the empire collapse. Costa Rica joins El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua as the United Provinces of Central America.

  • Juan Rafael Mora

    Juan Rafael Mora
    Juan Rafael Mora leads the fight against William Walker, an American who tries to take control of the region.

  • Civil War constitution

    Civil War constitution
    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.

  • Nature Reserve

    Nature Reserve
    The Absoluta Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve is created. It is the first of many protected areas in the country.

  • Eruption

    Eruption
    Arenal Volcano erupts causing damage to the wildlife around it.

  • New President

    New President
    President Oscar Arias Sánchez wins the Nobel Peace Prize. He helped end civil wars in El Salvador and Nicaragua.

  • Elected

    Elected
    Arias is elected president for the second time.

  • Woman in Power

    Woman in Power
    Laura Chinchilla becomes Costa Rica’s first woman President.