Photo Gallery

A Historical Timeline

[SPANISH - ENGLISH DICTIONARY] [HOME]

The Flags of El Morro - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Plaque commemorating the construction and history of El Morro

IMPORTANT MILESTONES IN THE HISTORY OF PUERTO RICO

*************

(HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FIRST HALF OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY)

1897

- Spain grants a Charter of Autonomy to Puerto Rico giving it home rule.

1898

- Spanish-American War is declared (4/21) and martial law is decreed in Puerto Rico under Spanish Governor Manuel Macías

- Territorial transfer of Puerto Rico from Spain to the United States - San Juan (10/18)

- Major General John F. Brooke is appointed first American Governor of Puerto Rico 1899

- Economic depression and natural disasters (hurricanes) contribute to the exodus of many jíbaros in search of work. (by 1900, 114 Puerto Ricans [individuals and families] set out to find work in the sugar cane fields of Hawaii).

- The first company of native born Puerto Ricans is organized as part of the American Colonial Army.

- Puerto Rican Republican Party and the Partido Federal Americano are established.

- La Liga de Patriotas Puertorriqueños is founded in Juana Díaz by Eugenio María de Hostos (10/23).

- The American military government officially changed the name of the island from Puerto Rico to Porto Rico.

1900

- The Foraker Act (also known as the Organic Act) is passed on April 2nd granting U.S. citizenship to newborn Puerto Ricans (excludes the extension of U.S. citizenship to the people of Puerto Rico)

1912

- The Independence Party is founded (2/8).

1915

- The Socialist Party is founded.

1917

- The Jones-Shafroth Act (3/2) grants US citizenship to Puerto Ricans, establishes a 3 branch government (Executive, Legislative & Judicial) and creates a bicameral legislature (Senate & House of Delegates). The United States maintains control over the island's financial matters, defense and immigration issues.

-Jose De Diego is appointed first president of the House of Representatives in Puerto Rico.

1922

- Nationalist Party established in Puerto Rico (9/17)

1928

- Numerous deaths, injuries and losses totaling about 85 million dollars are incurred due to hurricane San Felipe (worst in island's history-9/13).

1930

- Pedro Albizu Campos is elected as the president of the Nationalist Party.

1932

- The Partido Unión Republicana was founded (1/31).

- The Puerto Rican Liberal Party was founded (3/12).

- The U.S. Congress passes a law restoring the island's name to Puerto Rico (3/17)

- Numerous deaths, injuries and losses totaling about 40 million dollars are incurred due to hurricane San Ciprián (9/26-27)

1933

- The Puerto Rican Emergency Relief Administration (PRERA) develops programs to address the island's emergency needs.

1943

- The Partido Independentista is founded (10/20).

1946

- Partido Independentista Puertorriqueño (PIP) is formed.

1947

- The Elective Governors Act is passed.

- Marks the beginning of Operation Bootstrap and FOMENTO

1948

- Luis Muñoz Marín is elected Governor.

1952

- The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or Estado Libre Asociado (ELA) is established in the island.

1953

- The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is acknowledged by the United Nations as a self-governing territory.

A Brief Look At The History of the Borough of

MANHATTAN (or Island of Hills in Algonquin)

******

1524

- Giovanni da Verrazzano spots Manhattan during an exploration voyage.

1609

- Henry Hudson (working for the Dutch West India Company) explores Manhattan during his search for a passage to India. (September 9)

1624

- The southern tip on Manhattan is established as a Dutch trading post and is renamed New Amsterdam (under New Netherlands).

- Fort Orange (now Albany) is founded by the Dutch

1626

- Peter Minuit purchases Manhattan on behalf of the Dutch for 60 Guilders worth of goods (approximately $24 at that time) from the local natives.

1653

- Manhattan is incorporated as New Amsterdam

1664

- The English take possession of New Amsterdam and rename it New York

1789

- The first president of the United States of America is inaugurated in New York/Manhattan (George Washington)

[Back to Top]

[Home Page]

Contact the Richport East Villager at:

rev@loisaida.com