Puerto Rico
History Timeline
Travel through our timeline of major events in Travel through our timeline of major events in Puerto Rico's history.
AD 1000:
Arawak Indians known as Taíno settled in Puerto Rico. They called the island Boriquen.
1493:
On his second voyage, Christopher Columbus claims the island for Spain. He names it San Juan Bautista (St. John the Baptist).
1508:
Juan Ponce de Leon establishes the fist Spanish settlement. In 1509, he is named governor of San Juan Bautista.
1520s:
The island is officially renamed Puerto Rico.
1873:
Spain abolishes slavery after almost 400 years. Puerto Rico is given representation in Spain's parliament.
1898:
During the Spanish American War, U.S. forces invade Puerto Rico. In December, the Treaty of Paris ends the war and gives the U.S. possession of the island.
1900:
President William McKinley signs the Foraker Act, which allows island residents to organize their own government.
1902:
The U.S. declares Puerto Rico a territory.
1917:
Under the Jones Act, Puerto Ricans are granted U.S. citizenship.
1942:
Hiram Bithorn, of the Chicago Cubs, becomes the first Puerto Rican to play baseball in the Major Leagues.
1948:
Puerto Rico sends its first team to the Olympics.
1952:
Puerto Rico becomes a self-governing commonwealth of the U.S.
1972:
Puerto Rico's baseball hero, Roberto Clemente, is killed in a plane crash.
1989:
Hurricane Hugo causes heavy damage to the islands of Vieques and Culebra.
1998:
Residents vote to decide the island's political status. They refuse to apply for statehood. Puerto Rico remains a commonwealth.
2003:
After many protests, the U.S. government stops controversial military training on the island of Vieques.
