Who founded Puerto Rico and when?
In 1508, Juan Ponce de León founded the first European settlement, Caparra, near a bay on the island’s northern coast; Caparra was renamed Puerto Rico (or “rich port”) in 1521. Over time, people began referring to the entire island by that name, while the port city itself became San Juan.
When did Puerto Rico get discovered?
1493
European Arrival. Christopher Columbus arrived in Puerto Rico in 1493 during his second voyage to the New World. Initially, Columbus christened the Island as San Juan Bautista (St. John the Baptist).
What was Puerto Rico before?
Christopher Columbus arrived at Puerto Rico in 1493. He originally called the island San Juan Bautista, but thanks to the gold in the river, it was soon known as Puerto Rico, or “rich port;” and the capital city took the name San Juan.
How long did Spain rule Puerto Rico?
Taíno Indians inhabited the island when Christopher Columbus landed in Puerto Rico in November 19, 1493. Soon after, Puerto Rico became a Spanish colony and remained under Spanish rule for over 400 years.
When did the first Puerto Rican come to America?
The first group of Puerto Ricans immigrated to New York City in the mid-19th century when Puerto Rico was a Spanish colony and its people Spanish subjects. The following wave of Puerto Ricans to move to New York City did so after the Spanish–American War in 1898.
Who colonized Puerto Rico first?
Spain
Originally populated by the indigenous Taíno people, Puerto Rico was colonized by Spain following the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1493. It was contested by other European powers, but remained a Spanish possession for the next four centuries.
How was Puerto Rico created?
Puerto Rico itself is a now-extinct volcanic island-arc terrane which started to grow approximately 190 million years ago. Beginning approximately 80 million years ago, the island-arc was rafted northward and then eastward as the North and South American plates pushed westward around the newly forming Caribbean plate .