Historical Timeline

Timeline of Puerto Rico

29 dated events spanning the recorded history of Puerto Rico.

Chronology

29 events spanning the history of Puerto Rico. BCE/CE dating.

1493
Christopher Columbus claims Puerto Rico for Spain.
Christopher Columbus claims Puerto Rico for Spain.
1501
The Spanish Crown permitted export of slaves to America.
The Spanish Crown permitted export of slaves to America.
1508
Spanish colonization begins.
Spanish colonization begins.
1509 – 1512
Ponce de Leon served as governor of Puerto Rico.
Ponce de Leon served as governor of Puerto Rico.
1511
Differences between Spaniards and Taíno Indians began.
Taínos rebelled against Spanish rule, but are forced to surrender or flee. Diego Columbus given control of the island.
1528
French troops attacked the island
French troops attacked the island.
1530
Sugar became the most important agricultural product
Sugar became the most important agricultural product.
1538
The watchtower El Morro was built.
The watchtower El Morro was built.
1575
San Mateo hurricane
A major hurricane hit Puerto Rico on the feast day of St. Matthew and became known as the San Mateo hurricane.
1595
Queen Elizabeth sends Drake and John Hawkins to take Puerto Rico
Queen Elizabeth sent Sir Francis Drake to capture treasure from a wrecked Spanish galleon stored at La Forteleza. Drake failed and returned to Panama.

1598
Ginger replaces sugar as Puerto Rico’s main cash crop.
Ginger replaces sugar as Puerto Rico’s main cash crop.
1625
Dutch attack Puerto Rico
Dutch Gen’l. Bowdoin Hendrik and his fleet of 17 ships sailed into San Juan, Puerto Rico, and attacked El Morro. He held the garrison under siege for 3 weeks and then set the town to flames. This infuriated the Spanish who attacked and sent the Dutch fleeing.
1639
The San Juan Gate was built as the entry to San Juan.
The San Juan Gate was built as the entry to San Juan.
1736
Coffee introduced to Puerto Rico from Hispaniola
Coffee introduced to Puerto Rico from Hispaniola.
1765
Alejandro O’Reilly reports on Puerto Rico for the crown
Commissioned by Charles III of Spain to investigate contraband activity, Lieutenant General Alexander O’Reilly conducted a census. Puerto Rico’s population had reached 44,883, of whom 5,037 were slaves, making an 11.2 percent, a very low ratio, considered the lowest for the Caribbean.
1797
British attempt to take San Juan
A British armada of 68 vessels and 7,000 men under Scotsman Sir Ralph Abercromby attacked San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Spanish defenses held. A procession of women made up to look like soldiers caused the siege to be called off. An annual parade later commemorated this event.

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