An Island History

Puerto Rico is saddled with a European colonial past, being claimed by the western world in 1493, during Columbus second voyage to the new world.    Its first 400 years were spent as a Spanish colony.  Although the original indigenous population called Taino people were virtually wiped out by a smallpox outbreak in 1518-1519; though scientific research it has been determined that 60% of Puerto Rican’s today have Taino Indian ancestry.   Most early settlers of the Island were men who took Taino wives.

Puerto Rico became an American colony as a result of the Spanish-American War in 1898.   In 1917 through the Jones act all Puerto Ricans were made US citizens for the primary purpose of making men eligible for the World War I draft.   In 1947 the United States granted Puerto Rico Commonwealth Status enabling the Island to elect its own governor. 

Today Puerto Rico enjoys being a self-governing United States Territory, although many aspects of Puerto Rican everyday life are decided by the US government where Puerto Rico has non-voting delegates.    Early in its history Puerto Rico was prominent in the Sugar Cane industry.  Today they have a large Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Industry.    

To learn more about the history and culture of Puerto Rico it is recommended that you visit the Caguas Botanical and Cultural Gardens.  Located in the small city of Caguas 30 minutes south of San Juan it sits on an old Sugar Cane Plantation.   There are many exhibits dedicated to the original Taino people and early colonial history of Puerto Rico.   The Gardens also provide an excellent chance to view and understand the flora and fauna of this magical Island.