History of Puerto Rico

Christopher Columbus arrives on his second voyage and claims the island for Spain, naming it San Juan Bautista.

Juan Ponce de León establishes the first Spanish settlement at Caparra, near present-day San Juan.

He becomes the island’s first governor.

After years of exploitation, forced labor, and disease, the Taíno people rise up against the Spanish. The revolt fails, and their population quickly declines.

Spain finally abolishes slavery in Puerto Rico. Freedom is granted gradually with a system of indenture for former slaves.

Puerto Rico , West Indies . See PORTO RICO

Porto Rico , põr'to ree'ko ( Sp . Puerto Rico , pwêr'to ree'ko , i.e. , " rich port " ) , one of the Spanish West India Islands , the fourth in size of the Antilles , E. of Hayti and W. of the Virgin Islands , lat . ( S.W. point ) 17 ° 56 ' N. , lon . 67 ° 10 ' W. , 90 miles long from E. to W. , and 36 miles broad . A range of mountains runs through the island from E. to W. , its loftiest peak being 3678 feet high . In the interior are extensive savannas , on which numerous herds are pastured , and along the coasts are tracts of level , fer- tile land . Nearly the whole of the N. coast is lined with navigable lagoons , some of them 10 miles long , and many of the rivers can be navigated a distance of 5 or 6 miles , There are numerous bays and creeks , deep enough for vessels of considerable burden ; but the N. coast is subject to tremendous ground seas , which beat against the cliffs with great violence . Only three harbors are safe ,...