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Nov 19, 1493
Christopher Columbus discovers Puerto Rico
This was Columbus's 2nd voyage to claim lands for King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain. He and his crew spent two days on the island before sailing westward to Hispaniola, where they established the first permanent settlement in the New World. The native people of Puerto Rico, the Tainos, called the island Borinquen. Columbus names the island San Juan Bautista (in honor of St. John the Baptist). Later, Spanish traders begin calling the island Puerto Rico. -
1501
Spanish Crown permits exporting slaves to the Americas
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Aug 8, 1508
Ponce de Leon founded the first Spanish settlement in Puerto Rico
Ponce de Leon names the settlement Caparra. -
1511
Taino rebellion
The Taíno Indians' after learning through the drowning of Diego Salcedo, that the Spanish were mortal, revolted against Spaniards with no success. Ponce de León orders 6,000 shot; survivors flee to mountains or leave the island. -
Aug 8, 1511
Pope Julius II creates two dioceses in Puerto Rico
Pope Julius II created two dioceses in Puerto Rico, the bishop of which were all suffragans of the archbishopric of Seville. The Canon of Salamanca, Alonso Manso, was appointed bishop of the Puerto Rican diocese and took possession in 1513 - the first bishop to arrive in America. -
Dec 27, 1512
Laws of Burgos
The Burgos Law is issued, by Ferdinand II, the Catholic, of Aragón, regulated relations between Spaniards and the conquered Indians, particularly to ensure the spiritual and material welfare of the latter, who were often severely treated. read the Laws of Burgos -
Jan 27, 1513
African slaves are introduced to the island
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1514
The Spanish Crown grants permission to Spaniards to marry native Taino Indians
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1519
Pope Leo X declares Puerto Rico the 1st ecclesiastical headquarters in the New World
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1520
Charles I emancipates the Taino people
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1521
Caparra is renamed Puerto Rico
Over time and common usage, the city and island exchange names. The port became known as San Juan while the name Puerto Rico came to be applied to the whole island. -
Jan 24, 1522
San Jose Church founded
San Jose Church is the oldest church still in use in America. more about San Jose Church -
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1539
Spain begins constructing massive defenses around San Juan
Concerned about potential threats from European enemies and recognizing the strategic importance of Puerto Rico, Spain began constructing massive defenses around San Juan. The construction of San Felipe del Morro Castle began. The fort featured 18-foot-thick walls; San Cristóbal and San Geronimo Forts also garrisoned troops. Next the Spaniards constructed a wall, parts of which still survive, around the entire city. learn more -
1570
Gold mines declared depleted
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Puerto Rico attacked by British forces
Sir Francis Drake, hero of the battle of the Spanish Armada, with 26 vessels, in the company of Sir John Hawkins, tried fruitlessly to conquer the island and set San Juan city on fire. battle map -
King Philip IV begins to fortify San Cristobal Fort
San Cristobal Fort becomes the largest fort in the New World. more about Fort San Cristobal -
Puerto Rico census
white: 216, 083
free colored: 175,791
slaves: 51, 265
TOTAL: 443, 139 -
Royal Academy of Belles Letters founded
Governor Juan de la Pezuela Cevallos, founded the Royal Academy of Belles Letters. This institution contributed greatly to the intellectual and literary progress of the Island. The school licensed primary school teachers, formulated school methods, and held literary contests. -
Grito de Lares
An army of Puerto Ricans proclaim independence from Spain. The army was quickly defeated by Spanish soldiers.more about the Grito de Lares -
Slavery is abolished in Puerto Rico
The Spanish National Assembly finally abolished slavery in Puerto Rico. The owners were compensated with 35 million pesetas per slave, and slaves were required to continue working for three more years. more about the abolition of slavery in Puerto Rico -
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Charter of Autonomy
Spain gives governing power to Puerto Rico for an island government. more about the Charter of Autonomy -
Spanish-American War/Treaty of Paris
On December 10, Treaty of Paris is signed (ratified by the U.S. Senate Feb. 6, 1899), treaty concluding the Spanish-American War.Spain renounced all claim to Cuba, ceded Guam and Puerto Rico and its dependent islets to United States, and transferred sovereignty over the Philippines to the United States for $20,000,000. more about the Spanish-American War
